Project 454782

Every day we learn and remember how to navigate complex environments for our survival. To do so, the brain must represent the world in a behaviorally-relevant manner across the lifespan, such as the spatial layout of environments. Previous research has shown that the hippocampus - a brain structure located in the temporal lobes - represents the environment in the activity of its neurons. In addition, hippocampal function is known to decline with age and strongly predicts age-related impairments of cognitive abilities. Recent research also shows that certain lifestyle changes, such as a fasting-mimicking diet and physical exercise, afford significant benefits for the brain and body, and increase the length of healthy life in both humans and rodents. Here, I will examine the benefits of a fasting-mimicking diet and physical exercise on hippocampal mapping of complex environments across the lifespan in aging rodents with cutting-edge neuroimaging technology. Our results will add significantly to a growing body of research exploring the effects of lifestyle changes on the brain and body, and suggest new avenues to help Canadians live longer and healthier lives in the future.