Scientists from Saint Louis University report that the ketogenic (keto) diet and related supplements may help prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia. It gradually destroys memory, thinking ability, and daily functioning.
Although several therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including the recently approved drug aducanumab, there is still no cure or proven way to prevent the disease.
Previous research suggests that diet may influence the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but it remains unclear which dietary patterns are most beneficial.
Other lifestyle factors — including regular exercise, cognitive training, and social engagement — may also help reduce risk or slow progression. Experts believe that combining multiple approaches may be more effective than relying on a single strategy.
The ketogenic diet is one dietary approach that has attracted growing scientific interest. This diet is high in fat, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates, forcing the body to use fat as its primary energy source instead of glucose.
Similar metabolic effects can also be achieved through a standard diet combined with supplements that provide ketones, known as exogenous ketone supplements.
In the current study, researchers reviewed existing studies examining the keto diet and exogenous ketone use in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
They found evidence suggesting that both the ketogenic diet and ketone supplementation may provide cognitive benefits for some patients. However, it remains unclear whether one approach is more effective than the other.
The researchers emphasized that the specific composition of the keto diet is important, as certain fat sources are healthier than others.
They also noted that strict carbohydrate restriction is often required to maintain ketosis, which may place a significant burden on caregivers responsible for managing patients’ diets.
Future research may be easier to conduct in institutional settings, where dietary intake can be closely monitored. In contrast, ketone supplements may be easier for patients to follow over the long term.
Overall, the researchers suggest that a multidomain approach — combining diet, lifestyle changes, and medical care — may offer the greatest potential for preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease and for slowing its progression in affected individuals.
However, most existing studies are small and focus only on short-term cognitive outcomes. Large, long-term clinical trials are needed to better understand the effects of the ketogenic diet on people with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
The study was conducted by H. Hersant and G. Grossberg and published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about how the Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and Strawberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
For more health information, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce dementia risk, and Coconut oil could help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease.
