PsyPost reports:

A new study suggests that restricting calorie intake over a lifetime may slow the biological aging of support cells in the primate brain. The research provides evidence that a thirty percent reduction in calories preserves the metabolic function of cells responsible for insulating nerve fibers. These findings were published in the journal Aging Cell.

The brain relies on complex networks of communication to function correctly. This communication depends heavily on white matter, which consists of nerve fibers coated in a protective fatty substance called myelin. As primates age, this white matter tends to degrade. The loss of integrity in these areas often correlates with cognitive decline and slower processing speeds.

Scientists have sought to understand the cellular mechanisms that drive this age-related deterioration. Much of the focus has shifted toward glial cells, which were once considered merely supportive glue for neurons. It is now understood that glial cells, specifically oligodendrocytes and microglia, actively maintain brain health. Oligodendrocytes produce myelin, while microglia act as the brain’s immune system. [Continue reading…]