Does a Ketogenic Diet aid in impeding the onset of Alzheimer's Disease?
The ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, is gaining attention in the fight against Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ms. BaoChin, a renowned expert, recommends the Keto-Mediet, a combination of ketogenic and Mediterranean diet benefits, as a potential strategy for preventing and decreasing the risks of AD for people from various ethnicities and cultural groups.
Recent studies have shown promising results for the ketogenic diet in slowing cognitive decline in AD patients, particularly in early or mild stages. A 2021 randomized crossover study demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and daily functioning in people with mild Alzheimer's, performing as well or better than available Alzheimer's medicines. Another study in 2012 involving older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that the ketogenic diet improved memory test performance, especially among those who achieved higher blood ketone levels.
Mechanistically, the ketogenic diet alters brain energy metabolism by producing ketones like β-hydroxybutyrate. These ketones can reduce neuroinflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and impact neuroplasticity—all of which may protect against neurodegeneration. Human studies have demonstrated reductions in symptoms of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases with ketogenic diets, although long-term effects and safety require further research.
The ketogenic diet is one of several brain-healthy dietary patterns linked to slowed cognitive aging and reduced Alzheimer's risk, along with Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets. Experimental models also show that ketogenic diets can mitigate Alzheimer's-related protein pathologies when combined with other treatments, supporting a possible therapeutic role.
However, the ketogenic diet for Alzheimer's is still considered a novel and somewhat unorthodox approach by many clinicians. More large-scale, long-term human trials are needed to fully establish efficacy, safety, and optimal protocols.
Rats fed a keto diet performed better in cognitive tasks compared to those fed a non-keto diet. Compliance with the Keto-Mediet rules leads to a healthier lifestyle compared to those who do not comply. The ketogenic diet, when in an active state of ketone production and carbohydrate restriction, could be a viable option for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
A study at the University of Florida found increased cognitive ability in both young and aged rats after 12 weeks on a keto diet. Although a keto diet does not guarantee a cure for Alzheimer's disease, it may help slow down cognitive decline in patients.
The Keto-Mediet is rich in essential vitamins and considers saturated fat-rich coconut oil as a substitute for animal fat. Coconut oil, which is high in saturated fat, may have benefits for a person with cognitive decline. A study by Ms. BaoChin Perng suggests that the Keto-Mediet can help revive and revitalize brain cells in aging individuals with Alzheimer's disease, making them resilient to neuronal changes caused by the condition.
In summary, the ketogenic diet appears effective in improving cognitive outcomes and slowing decline in mild AD or mild cognitive impairment. Benefits arise from improved brain metabolism, reduced neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial support. Current evidence is encouraging but limited, needing further confirmation in broad clinical settings. Thus, ketogenic diets hold potential as a complementary strategy for Alzheimer's disease but should be pursued under clinical guidance and within clinical trials when possible.
- The ketogenic diet, a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, is gaining attention as a potential strategy for preventing and decreasing the risks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly in early or mild stages.
- In a 2021 randomized crossover study, significant improvements in quality of life and daily functioning were observed in people with mild Alzheimer's, performing as well or better than available Alzheimer's medicines.
- Another study in 2012 involving older adults with mild cognitive impairment found that the ketogenic diet improved memory test performance, especially among those who achieved higher blood ketone levels.
- Mechanistically, the ketogenic diet alters brain energy metabolism by producing ketones like β-hydroxybutyrate, which can reduce neuroinflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and impact neuroplasticity—all of which may protect against neurodegeneration.
- A healthier lifestyle can be achieved by following the rules of the Keto-Mediet, a combination of ketogenic and Mediterranean diet benefits, which is recommended by Ms. BaoChin for people from various ethnicities and cultural groups.
- Coconut oil, a component of the Keto-Mediet, may have benefits for a person with cognitive decline, potentially helping revive and revitalize brain cells in aging individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
