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Lifelong caloric restriction increases working memory in mice.

Angela Kuhla1, Sophie Lange, Carsten Holzmann

  • 1Institute for Experimental Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. angela.kuhla@uni-rostock.de

Plos One
|July 23, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Lifelong caloric restriction (CR) in mice improved working memory and spatial memory, but aggravated anxiety and reduced spontaneous activity. Late-onset CR did not benefit memory, suggesting lifelong adherence is key for cognitive benefits.

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Neuroscience
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Caloric restriction (CR) is linked to health and longevity benefits.
  • Previous studies primarily examined short-term effects of CR on cognition.
  • The impact of lifelong CR on age-related cognitive decline requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of caloric restriction (CR) on cognitive function and behavior in aging mice.
  • To determine if lifelong CR influences age-related changes in motor coordination, activity, anxiety, and memory.
  • To assess the efficacy of late-onset CR on cognitive performance.

Main Methods:

  • Female mice initiated on CR (60% of ad libitum intake) at 4 weeks old, with feeding durations of 4, 20, and 74 weeks.

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  • Behavioral analyses included rotarod/accelerod for motor coordination, open field and elevated plus maze for locomotor activity and anxiety, and morris water maze for cognitive performance.
  • Comparison between CR groups and age-matched ad libitum (AL) fed controls.
  • Main Results:

    • Motor coordination declined with age but was unaffected by CR duration.
    • Lifelong CR aggravated age-related impairments in spontaneous locomotor activity and anxiety.
    • Lifelong CR significantly improved working memory and spatial memory compared to ad libitum feeding.
    • Late-onset CR initiated at 66 weeks did not improve working memory.

    Conclusions:

    • Lifelong caloric restriction is necessary to enhance working memory and spatial memory in aging mice.
    • While beneficial for certain cognitive functions, lifelong CR may negatively impact anxiety and activity levels.
    • The timing of CR initiation is critical for cognitive benefits, with early and continuous application being most effective.