A molecule in our diet could play a key role in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
The ongoing research into Alzheimer's disease continually brings us new avenues for prevention and treatment. Among the latest findings, a study conducted by the University of California sheds light on the potential benefits of a specific diet: the keto (ketogenic) diet. This diet, low in carbohydrates and high in fats, encourages the body to use ketone bodies, including beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), as its primary energy source instead of glucose.
According to a study by UC Davis, a ketogenic diet slows early memory loss related to Alzheimer's disease in mice through the BHB molecule, offering hope for its application in human aging and cognitive health.
The research, published in the journal
Communications Biology, demonstrates that mice on this ketogenic diet show a significant delay in the development of early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, similar to mild cognitive decline in humans. BHB, in particular, sees a considerable increase in concentration under this diet, thus playing a predominant role in preventing memory decline.
The study builds on previous research, revealing that mice on a ketogenic diet live on average 13% longer. BHB not only delays symptoms of the disease but also improves the functionality of synapses - these tiny structures essential for the connection of nerve cells, crucial for memory and learning.
The results suggest that the ketogenic diet could benefit females more significantly than males, raising the possibility of a sex difference in response to the diet and in BHB levels. This discovery is particularly relevant, as women, especially those carrying the ApoE4 genetic variant, are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Despite these promising findings, the study authors, including Gino Cortopassi and Izumi Maezawa, emphasize that BHB, also available as a dietary supplement, has not yet shown similar benefits in humans. Nonetheless, the research team remains optimistic about the potential impact of their findings on healthy aging and cognitive health and plans to continue their investigations in this area.