Researchers have shown that low-calorie diet stimulates the production of a molecule effective against brain aging.

Several studies had already shown that brain aging is inversely proportional to the amount of daily calories. Thus, obesity is a known factor in the slowdown early brain function. But beyond the clinical, science did not know the molecular nature of the relationship between diet and brain.

Researchers at the University provided an answer to this mystery by isolating a molecule responsible for the elongation of the cerebral faculties. Called CREB1, this molecule is activated by low-calorie diets. The team of Prof. Giovambattista Pani has shown that it is enough to absorb 30% less than their normal diet to naturally stimulate the production of CREB1.

In their work, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), Roman doctors have also demonstrated that the molecule works by increasing the ability of synapses to store information. “However, the functioning of synapses is critical for learning and memory, says Guido Grassi, a team of researchers. Their alteration is the basis of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. “The CREB1 is also fundamental for the control of anxiety.

“Caloric Restriction Is An Experimental Phase”

The experiment was conducted on mice on a diet. Laboratory animals have confirmed that the reduction in power favored the production of CREB1 and build the cognitive skills and memory. But by blocking the production of CREB1 mice also restricted calories, they have developed the same pathology of brain aging than their counterparts fed normally. Nine evidence of the role of CREB1 in the brain and its relationship to food.

“Caloric restriction is an experimental phase, the teacher explains Pani. Now, our goal is to find drugs that can activate the production of CREB1 without the obligation to follow a diet.” However, until now a moderate diet can save what remains of our synapses. More reason to refuse to take the log during the feast of Christmas.