Cutting down on calories may be able to help older men and women boost their memory, according to new research.

German scientists say that participants who restricted their calorie intake were able to perform better on a series of memory tests.

As part of the study, they divided subjects into three categories: one group cut their calorie intake by 30 percent, a second increased their intake of unsaturated fatty acids by 20 percent, and a third was a control group.

After three months, only the first group demonstrated a significant improvement on verbal memory tests.

“Our study may help to generate novel prevention strategies to maintain cognitive functions into old age,” wrote Dr. A Veronica Witte and colleagues from the University of Munster.

In the findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers propose the effect of calorie reduction on verbal memory may be the result of improved neuron function and reduced inflammation.

Many people have also turned to nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fish oil and folic acid to help boost their memory.