Ketogenic diet may help prevent dementia

Study

The researchers studied mice that, when the experiment started, were 12-14 weeks old. Half of the mice received standard feed [Control] for 16 weeks, the other half feed in which almost all carbohydrates were replaced by fats [KD].

Results

When the researchers made MRI scans from the brains of their test animals, they saw that the ketogenic diet increased the blood supply to the brain.

That's positive. With the climbing of the years, the blood vessels that provide brain tissue with oxygen and nutrients can clog up, causing brain cells to deteriorate.





At the same time, the ketogenic diet increased the activity of the P-glycoprotein. This enzyme prevents the formation of amyloid-beta plaques in the brain. These plaques destroy brain cells and play a key role in brain diseases such as Alzheimer's.





Conclusion

"We have demonstrated that a ketogenic diet enhanced neurovascular functions, which might be associated with the diet-induced changes in gut microbiome", write the researchers. "Our results indicate that a ketogenic diet may not only be beneficial in disease states, but also in healthy condition."

"These findings imply that dietary intervention started in early stages may evoke neuroprotective effects via neurovascular and gut microbiome changes."

"Future studies will be needed to further identify the mechanism linking brain and gut interactions for a ketogenic diet-induced neuroprotective effects in both healthy and disease states. Understanding nutritional effects on central and enteric nervous systems, and their interactions, has profound implications for neuroprotection in humans."

Source:

Sci Rep. 2018 Apr 27;8(1):6670.

More:

Healthier diet means more brains 23.05.2018

Do you cook curry often? It helps keep your brain cells in good condition 08.12.2017

Virgin olive oil may offer protection against dementia 29.08.2017



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