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Dissecting the Non-human Primate Brain in Stereotaxic Space
Published on: July 16, 2009
Calorie restriction in nonhuman primates: assessing effects on brain and behavioral aging
D K Ingram1, J Young, J A Mattison
1Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology, Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. ingramd@grc.nia.nih.gov
Neuroscience
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Dietary caloric restriction (CR) retards aging and disease in mammals. Studies in rhesus monkeys show CR benefits brain function and health span, suggesting broader applicability for aging research.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Dietary caloric restriction (CR) is a proven intervention for extending lifespan and health span in mammals.
- CR's benefits, including improved brain and behavioral function, have been observed in rodents for decades.
- Emerging research suggests CR's anti-aging effects may apply to long-lived species like humans and nonhuman primates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of CR on age-related changes in brain and behavioral function in rhesus monkeys.
- To explore how CR modulates aging processes and associated mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gross and fine locomotor performance in rhesus monkeys.
- Brain imaging techniques to assess age-related changes.
- Evaluation of disease incidence and aging indices in CR versus control groups.
Main Results:
- CR rhesus monkeys (30% restriction) exhibited reduced disease incidence and better health indices compared to fully-fed controls.
- CR was associated with slower aging rates based on selected biomarkers.
- Short-term CR demonstrated neuroprotective effects against toxic insults.
Conclusions:
- CR in nonhuman primates offers significant health and potential anti-aging benefits, mirroring rodent studies.
- CR modulates aging and may protect against neurodegeneration.
- Nutrition plays a key role in regulating aging rates and mechanisms.
