Fig. 1.

Flow-chart of the study. 50 healthy elderly subjects were initially included in the study and performed baseline measurements of physiological parameters, fasting serum levels, and memory tests (session I). Based on age, sex, and BMI, subjects were stratified into 3 groups to follow either a specific diet, namely caloric restriction (n = 20, group 1) or unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) enhancement (n = 20, group 2), or not to change previous eating habits (control, n = 10). Dietary instructions were provided by clinical dieticians. One women from group 1 was not available for posttesting. After a period of 3 months, participants again underwent measurements of physiological parameters, fasting serum levels, and memory tests (session II). At baseline, after 6 and after 12 weeks, subjects additionally completed nutrition diaries over 7 consecutive days.