ISLAMABAD, MARCH 27 (ONLINE): A ketogenic (keto) diet can slow the arrival of the mild cognitive loss that signals the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, a new study in mice suggests.
\nThe authors of the study found that a low-carb, high-fat keto diet results in an increase in BHB molecules that have been associated with protection against neuroinflammation.
\nExperts have expressed a need for confirmatory support in humans, particularly since \u201cAlzheimer\u2019s disease\u201d in mice does not fully replicate the human version.
\nIn a new study using a mouse model, a ketogenic (keto) diet postponed the onset of Alzheimer\u2019s disease (AD).<\/p>\n
Delaying Alzheimer\u2019s is being credited with a sevenfold increase in the mice\u2019s levels of the beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) molecule.<\/p>\n
The BHB molecule has been associated with delays in the onset of mild cognitive dementia typical of the early stages of Alzheimer\u2019s. The moleculeTrusted Source is also found in humans, where it\u2019s produced when the body burns fat for energy in order to feed the body\u2019s mitochondriaTrusted Source. The molecule supports the transfer of energy from the liver to the rest of the body when glucose levels are insufficient.<\/p>\n
The authors of the study from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have previously published researchTrusted Source finding that BHB, depending on dosage, is anti-inflammatory for human brain cells inflamed by beta-amyloid plaques.<\/p>\n
These plaques were, for a time, considered the main cause of Alzheimer\u2019s. Yet, many people have the plaques who never develop Alzheimer\u2019s, and foundational research that identified them as an Alzheimer\u2019s cause has since been discredited.<\/p>\n
The new study involved genetically modified APP\/PS1 mice who express a mouse\/human amyloid precursor protein as well as a mutant human presenilin 1 gene. Both target central nervous system neurons.<\/p>\n
The mice were bred at UC Davis. Their female and male offspring lived in a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark environment, with up to four mice in a cage eating a standard mouse chow diet for six months. At that age, they were assigned to weight-balanced groups, with each mouse living in a separate enclosure for the remainder of the study, so researchers could control their consumption of food.<\/p>\n
Mice were given either a keto diet or a carbohydrate-rich standard diet \u2014 both diets provided the same number of calories.<\/p>\n
The researchers observed that female mice had higher levels of BHB in their bodies than males, as well as brain enzymes known to support memory.<\/p>\n
At the same time, male mice who were switched to a late-midlife keto diet exhibited improved spatial memory.<\/p>\n
The study is published in Nature Communications Biology.Trusted Source<\/p>\n
How keto affects neuroinflammation
\nMichelle Routhenstein, registered dietician and nutritionist at EntirelyNourished.com, who was not involved in the study, explained that \u201cA ketogenic diet is a high fat, low-carbohydrate eating approach that causes ketosis.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKetosis is a metabolic state where the body primarily burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates, which yields ketone bodies as an alternative energy source,\u201d she continued.<\/p>\n
One concern regarding the higher levels of fat in a keto diet is the promotion of neuroinflammation that can adversely affect cognitive health. However, more of the right fats can reduce neuroinflammation.<\/p>\n
Indeed, in the study, lead author Dr. Gino A. Cortopassi told Medical News Today that \u201cWhen the exact same number of calories are delivered by keto as by the control diet, there is a significant reduction of systemic inflammatory cytokinesTrusted Source.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are neuroprotective elements found in certain fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, fat-soluble carotenoids, and vitamins, which can help combat inflammation and oxidative stress,\u201d Routhenstein noted.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, Routhenstein said, \u201cWhile some fat in the diet is helpful to reduce inflammation and neuroinflammation, excessive intake of saturated fats could potentially elevate cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLong-term adherence [to a keto diet] may also lead to nutrient deficiencies and adverse effects on heart and gut health, necessitating careful monitoring and balanced nutrition to mitigate potential harms.\u201d
\n\u2014 Michelle Routhenstein<\/p>\n
As a cardiovascular dietician, Routhenstein does not recommend a strict keto diet.<\/p>\n
How to raise BHB levels
\nDr. Cortopassi explained how BHB levels increase in humans, saying \u201cAfter humans have fasted for about 12 hours, BHB levels rise. This is because the carbohydrate stores have become exhausted.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that humans on a keto diet have significantly higher levels of BHB than humans on a standard, carb-rich, diet.<\/p>\n
Dr. Cortopassi said human BHB levels may be increased in any of three ways.<\/p>\n
First, obviously, is going on a keto diet. Second, one may take a BHB supplement. Third, and least effective, he said, is putting oneself on a one-meal-a-day carbohydrate diet \u2014 in which BHB levels will slowly rise after the liver\u2019s glycogen is depleted. However, BHB levels will drop \u201cprecipitously\u201d when the next carbohydrate meal is consumed.<\/p>\n
Before making any significant dietary changes, it is best to consult your physician.<\/p>\n
Mouse versus human studies of Alzheimer\u2019s
\n\u201cIt is very important to recognize that this was a study in mice and does not provide any conclusive evidence of ketogenic diet and Alzheimer\u2019s progression in humans,\u201d said Routhenstein.<\/p>\n
Dr. Stefania Forner, Ph.D., Alzheimer\u2019s Association director of medical and scientific relations, who was also not involved in the study, agreed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis study is based on research in a mouse model of Alzheimer\u2019s. While animal models of the disease are somewhat similar to how Alzheimer\u2019s progresses in humans, they do not replicate the disease in humans exactly. Models are important in helping us understand the basic biology of the disease, but we need human studies in representative populations for ideas to be fully validated.\u201d
\n\u2014 Dr. Stefania Forner<\/p>\n
While the new study presents \u201cintriguing\u201d findings, Dr. Forner felt \u201cmore research is needed to understand the impacts and outcomes of a ketogenic diet on people living with, or at risk for, Alzheimer\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Forner made clear, however, that, \u201cAt this point, no one should adopt this diet to prevent or treat Alzheimer\u2019s or other cognitive impairment. If you are considering changing your diet for this purpose, always talk to your healthcare provider first.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2025, the Alzheimer\u2019s Association expects to publish the results of their U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk (U.S. POINTER). This is a two-year clinical trial involving a large representative group of Americans.<\/p>\n
Dr. Forner said it is investigating whether \u201clifestyle interventions that simultaneously target many risk factors \u2014 including diet \u2014 can protect cognitive function in older adults who are at increased risk for cognitive decline.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, MARCH 27 (ONLINE): A ketogenic (keto) diet can slow the arrival of the mild cognitive loss that signals the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, a new study in mice suggests. The authors of the study found that a low-carb, high-fat keto diet results in an […]<\/p>\n
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