30% fewer calories over 20 years slows brain aging in monkeys
A decades-long study on rhesus monkeys has revealed that cutting calories by 30% over 20 years slowed brain ageing. The findings, published in Aging Cell, suggest long-term dietary changes may protect brain health. Researchers began tracking the animals in the 1980s, observing them until their natural deaths.
The study started with 24 rhesus monkeys, then aged between 22 and 37 years. Half were fed a standard balanced diet, while the other half received 30% fewer calories. Originally, the team aimed to see if this restriction would extend lifespan—which it did.
The study provides clear evidence that long-term calorie restriction may safeguard brain structure in ageing primates. While extreme diets pose risks for humans, a balanced and moderate reduction could offer similar protective effects. Researchers now suggest further studies to explore practical applications for human health.
