New findings from a study conducted on mice suggest that following a ketogenic (keto) diet might offer a potential defence against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The study, led by researchers from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), revealed that a keto diet, characterised by low-carbohydrate and high-fat intake, could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s in a mouse model.
According to the study, mice fed a keto diet showed a notable increase in the levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) molecules, which are associated with protection against neuroinflammation—a key factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
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The researchers noted that BHB molecules have been linked to delaying the onset of mild cognitive decline, a common early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. These molecules are produced when the body burns fat for energy, particularly when glucose levels are low, thereby supporting the body’s energy transfer process.
The keto diet, when matched with the same calorie intake as a standard diet, led to a significant reduction in systemic inflammatory cytokines—markers of inflammation that can contribute to cognitive decline.
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The study, published in Nature Communications Biology, involved genetically modified mice that express genes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Female mice, in particular, exhibited higher levels of BHB and brain enzymes crucial for memory support compared to their male counterparts.
Male mice switched to a keto diet later in life showed improvements in spatial memory, indicating the potential cognitive benefits of adopting this dietary approach.
Although these findings offer promising insights, experts caution that further research, particularly in human subjects, is necessary to validate the effectiveness of the keto diet in preventing Alzheimer’s disease.
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What is a Keto diet?
The Keto diet, short for ketogenic diet, is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan designed to induce a metabolic state called ketosis. In this state, the body switches from using carbohydrates as its primary fuel source to burning fat for…
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