Earlier studies have shown that meal comprising of food, less in calorie and rich in unsaturated fatty acids found in olive oil and fish can help in boasting brain function. Recent study showed that reducing number of calories can help elderly in improving memory.

Dr. A. Veronica Witte and colleagues from University of Munster analyzed data collected from 50 volunteers who were 60 years old on average. The study subjects were divided into three groups. The first group was asked to cut their calories by about 30 percent, the second group was asked to increase the intake of healthful unsaturated fatty acids by up to 20 percent and third group was asked to eat what they usually did.

Data analysis showed 20 percent average increase in verbal memory scores after 3 months in the study subjects who cut their calories.

Researchers said: "Our study may help to generate novel prevention strategies to maintain cognitive functions into old age."

They added that the results of this study may help to develop new prevention and treatment strategies for maintaining cognitive health into old age.