A groundbreaking study from the University of California has hinted that following a keto diet might just be the secret to dodging early signs of memory loss and mild cognitive dysfunction, often precursors to Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists discovered the diet can potentially modify neural connections and enhance brain communication, thus postponing the advent of the condition.
Initially devised to treat epilepsy by reducing seizures, the keto regimen is now popular among those pursuing good health.
This dietary plan limits carbohydrate intake while prioritising high consumption of beneficial fats and protein including plenty of veggies and fruits.
Not only famed for its effectiveness in weight reduction and possible extension of life expectancy, the keto diet could also defend the younger population against premature memory decline due to its nutritional benefits.
Gino Cortopassi, an academic involved in the research, claimed: “The data support the idea that the ketogenic diet in general, and BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) specifically, delays mild cognitive impairment, and it may delay full-blown Alzheimer’s disease.”
Nonetheless, Cortopassi emphasized that despite these findings, there is no evidence suggesting the diet can halt Alzheimer’s disease completely.
Alzheimer’s remains the leading dementia-related illness, with nearly one million individuals affected across the UK, reports Gloucestershire Live.
In a recent study, scientists have delved further into their previous findings which suggested that mice on a ketogenic diet lived 13 per cent longer.
The researchers fed animal models of Alzheimer’s disease a ketogenic diet for seven months and evaluated cognitive memory and synaptic plasticity – the adaptability of neuronal connection sites.
After consuming a ketogenic meal, levels of circulating BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate), produced during the keto diet, saw a significant increase in both male and female mice compared to the control group.
During fasting periods, BHB levels were found to be elevated compared to fed states, with females exhibiting significantly higher levels.
Upon examining the brains of the keto-fed mice, the researchers discovered that the brain’s memory storage mechanism had been significantly ‘rescued’.
If these results are replicated in human trials, it could mean that the likelihood of suffering from Alzheimer’s symptoms at a younger age will be reduced and the diet could be seen as a viable way to slow down Alzheimer’s.
What exactly is the keto diet?
According to the NHS, a ketogenic diet is a high fat, controlled protein and limited carbohydrate diet. It can be used in difficult to control epilepsy.
This diet is not followed by the majority of individuals with epilepsy, but studies suggest it can lead to a reduction in the number of epilepsy-related seizures.
However, the diet can be difficult to follow and can result in several side effects. Always consult your doctor before making drastic changes to your diet.
Typically, this diet plan involves cutting out high-carb foods like starchy fruits and vegetables, bread, pasta, grains, and sugar, while upping the intake of high-fat foods such as cream and butter.