Keto Diet Brain Health: Scientists Discover New Research
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Ketogenic Diet Shows Promise in Protecting Brain Health, Mizzou Research Finds
University of Missouri researchers are investigating the potential of a ketogenic diet to slow cognitive decline, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. The research leverages the state-of-the-art facilities at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building.
The Ketogenic Diet and Brain Health: A New Avenue of Research
protecting your brain’s energy and keeping your mind sharp might start with what’s on your plate. Foods such as fish and seafood, meat, non-starchy vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, eggs, and even full-fat dairy may play a key role in maintaining cognitive health.At the University of Missouri, researchers are exploring how these foods influence brain function, focusing on the ketogenic diet – a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan.
Early results suggest this approach could not only support long-term brain health but also slow or even prevent cognitive decline, especially among individuals who face a higher genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Mizzou’s NextGen precision Health Building: accelerating Discovery
Inside the Roy Blunt nextgen Precision Health building, ai-Ling Lin, a professor in the School of Medicine, and doctoral student Megan Ivanich are leading the charge.the NextGen Precision Health building allows Mizzou to move quickly from preclinical models to human trials.
Personal Connection Fuels research
For Ivanich, the research has a deeply personal connection. “When my grandmother got Alzheimer’s,that sparked my interest in this topic,so being able to make an impact to help people preserve their brain health is vrey rewarding,” she saeid.”With Mizzou being a leading research university and having a tight-knit community feel, I know I’m at the right place.”
Study Details: Gut Microbiota and Brain Metabolites
The research team’s findings were published in the Journal of Neurochemistry on October 18, 2023, under the title “Ketogenic diet modulates gut microbiota-brain metabolite axis in a sex-and genotype-specific manner in APOE4 mice.” The study investigated how the ketogenic diet affects the gut microbiota and its connection to brain metabolites in mice carrying the APOE4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
The study revealed that the ketogenic diet’s effects are not uniform; they vary based on both sex and genotype. This highlights the complexity of the gut-brain connection and the need for personalized approaches to dietary interventions.
Understanding the APOE4 Gene and Alzheimer’s Risk
The APOE4 gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with one copy of the APOE4 gene have an increased risk, while those with two copies have an even higher risk.