Alzheimer's Risk Patients May Benefit From Mediterranean Keto Diet, Study Shows Gut Microbiome Changes
Alzheimer's Risk Patients May Benefit From Mediterranean Keto Diet, Study Shows Gut Microbiome Changes
In a recent study published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association (AA), researchers examined the effects of a low-carbohydrate-modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet (MMKD) on the gut microbiome and metabolome of patients at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Alzheimer's Risk Patients May Benefit From Mediterranean Keto Diet, Study Shows Gut Microbiome Changes
Study: Effects of a ketogenic and low-fat diet on the human metabolome, microbiome, and foodome in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Image Credit: Yulia Furman / Shutterstock
Alzheimer's Risk Patients May Benefit From Mediterranean Keto Diet, Study Shows Gut Microbiome Changes
Background
Although AD pathology involves several systemic changes, metabolic dysregulation is a primary change observed throughout AD. However, it is not forthright to identify metabolites associated with AD because its metabolic signatures vary with gender and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype.
Alzheimer's Risk Patients May Benefit From Mediterranean Keto Diet, Study Shows Gut Microbiome Changes
Studies have shown a correlation between AD incidence and metabolites, such as ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate, valine, and acetone. Additionally, triglycerides are implicated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the onset of AD. Strikingly, the discovery of the gut-brain axis (GBA) has led to the exploration of an altered gut microbiome in AD.
Alzheimer's Risk Patients May Benefit From Mediterranean Keto Diet, Study Shows Gut Microbiome Changes
Bile acids are responsible for cholesterol elimination in the brain, accumulation of which could lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a liver disease that increases the risk of developing AD. Since gut microbiota transforms bile acids, it is another fascinating area in AD research. The unifying thread between the gut microbiome, neurocognitive status, and metabolic disorders is their connection with diet.
About the study
In a previous trial, researchers observed that the MMKD augmented levels of amyloid β 42 (Aβ42), and decreased tau levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Also, it increased hemoglobin A1c (Hb1Ac), insulin, and triglyceride levels in MCI patients. Additionally, these patients showed increased cerebral perfusion and ketone uptake, both metrics of brain function.
Moreover, the MMKD significantly affected gut microbial populations, including mycobiome and stool metabolites. For instance, MMKD increased the relative abundance of bacterial taxa Enterobacteriaceae, Akkermansia, etc., and Agaricus and Mrakia fungal species in MCI patients….