Disclosed are methods for enhancing neural function in an individual, such as an older adult. The methods include administering nutritional compositions comprising HMB to the individual. The nutritional compositions provide benefits for individuals that have or may be at risk of having cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, and neural dysfunction, typically resulting from cognitive diseases associated with neurodegenerative diseases.本發明揭示增強個體(諸如年長成人)神經功能之方法。方法包括向個體投與包含HMB的營養組合物。營養組合物有益於患有或處於罹患認知衰退、認知障礙及神經功能障礙之風險中的個體,該等認知衰退、認知障礙及神經功能障礙通常由與神經退化性疾病相關之認知疾病所引起。