Based on the fact that the ketogenic diet prevents memory loss in Alzheimer’s early mice, evidence from a UC Davis study indicates that it may be beneficial for aging and cognitive health.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to dramatically postpone the initial stages of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease-stricken rats, according to research from the University of California, Davis. According to their findings, this memory loss is comparable to mild cognitive impairment in people that occurs before Alzheimer’s disease develops fully.
The work was published by the Nature Group in the journal Communications Biology.
Researchers at UC Davis have shown that the ketogenic diet, which is high in carbohydrates and moderate in protein, increases the body’s metabolism by burning fat and generating ketones for energy while lowering and removing glucose from the body.
The research that was conducted after that indicated that beta-hydroxybutyrate, or BHB, is a crucial element in delaying the onset of early memory impairment. It is nearly seven times more effective when used in conjunction with a ketogenic diet.
According to co-corresponding author Gino Cortopassi, there is evidence from a previous study that the ketogenic diet, and specifically BHB, may postpone the onset of significant Alzheimer’s disease by postponing cognitive impairment.
Researchers gave mice access to enough BHB to mimic the effects of a seven-month ketogenic diet.
Co-corresponding author Izumi Maezawa, a pathology professor at UC Davis School of Medicine, has discovered that BHB is beneficial in improving the function of synapses, which are tiny structures that connect all nerve cells in the brain. It is well recognized that this effect significantly affects memory issues brought on by moderate cognitive impairment.
Cortopassi mentioned that BHB is another supplement that is safe for human usage. He also proposed the theory that BHB may help mice remember things better, however this hasn’t been scientifically confirmed.
The mice on the ketogenic diet displayed important metabolic processes linked to memory formation, the scientists reported. Furthermore, it appeared that the ketogenic diet benefitted females, as seen by the rise in BrainHB (BHB) levels in these individuals.
The data’ relevance to humans, according to Cortopassi, is noteworthy because women are more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease than men are, especially if they have the ApoE4 gene mutation.
However, scientists are now hopeful that they will uncover any concrete proof of the influence this has on aging healthily, and they will seek out additional research to learn more.
In Alzheimer’s mouse models, a ketogenic diet and BHB were found to be helpful in reducing long-term potentiation and voting-out behavior in animals with substantial hereditary predispositions.
The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, one of the National Institutes of Health.