Low Calorie Diets Prevent Alzheimer's in Non-Human Primates

A low intake of calories and diets based on a reduced number of calories could be the key for preventing Alzheimer's Disease, state researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. According to the findings of their new study entitled "Calorie Restriction Attenuates Alzheimer's Disease Type Brain Amyloidosis in Squirrel Monkeys", having moderate, healthy eating habits is very beneficial for neurodegenerative disorders. A restricted calorie intake is very efficient for the brain's health because it leads to more active neurons and prolonged life of brain cells.

Lead researcher of the study, Dr. Giulio Maria Pasinetti, and his team from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine pointed out that low-carbohydrate diets and low calorie intake prolongs the "life span" of brain molecules and prevents the decline of the cognitive function. "The present study strengthens the possibility that CR (Calorie Restriction) may exert beneficial effects on delaying the onset of AD (Alzheimer's Disease)- amyloid brain neuropathology in humans, similar to that observed in squirrel monkey and rodent models of AD," they noted.

Writing in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, researchers caution that Alzheimer's is a constantly and fast-pacing growing neurodegenerative condition affecting population worldwide. This is why a method for preventing it must be found as soon as possible. Prolonging the life of neurons and preserving the cognitive function for a longer period of time may be the solution. Consequently, people should orientate their attention towards healthy, low-calorie based diets if they want to benefit from their fully functioning mental abilities all throughout their lives.

"This new breakthrough brings great anticipation for further human study of caloric restriction, for AD investigators and for those physicians who treat millions of people suffering with this disease. The findings offer a glimmer of hope that there may someday be a way to prevent and stop this devastating disease in its tracks," concluded Dr. Pasinetti.