Molecular mechanisms of brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders: lessons from dietary restriction

The application of modern molecular and cell biology technologies to studie s of the neurobiology of aging provides a window on the molecular substrate s of successful brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Aging is assoc iated with increased oxidative stress, disturbances in energy metabolism an d inflammation-like processes. Dietary restriction (DR) can extends lifespa n and might increase the resistance of the nervous system to age-related ne urodegenerative disorders. The neuroprotective effect of DR involves a prec onditioning response in which the production of neurotrophic factors and pr otein chaperones is increased resulting in protection against oxyradical pr oduction, stabilization of cellular calcium homeostasis, and inhibition of apoptosis. DR might also enhance neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and self -repair mechanisms.