Exploring how calorie restriction can help improve brain health in older adults
Official title: Investigating the role of calorie restriction-induced blood factors in rejuvenating the aged hippocampus
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10998531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating fewer calories might help keep your brain healthy as you age, especially in areas important for memory and learning, and it's for older adults who want to learn about diet changes that could boost their brain power and fight off memory problems like Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,909 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG090092-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not elderly or do not have any cognitive decline or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of calorie restriction on brain health, particularly focusing on the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory and learning. By reducing daily calorie intake without causing malnutrition, the study aims to understand how this dietary approach can rejuvenate aging brain functions and potentially combat cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research will involve examining blood factors influenced by calorie restriction and their role in enhancing cognitive abilities in older individuals. Participants may benefit from insights into dietary strategies that could improve their cognitive health as they age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that calorie restriction can improve cognitive function and reduce Alzheimer's pathology in animal models, suggesting a promising avenue for human studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Misra, Rhea — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Misra, Rhea
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.