Did you know that dietary changes can improve Alzheimer’s disease?
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine published their findings in the journal Alzheimer’s and dementia, unveiling a special diet that may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that mainly affects memory and thinking.
Alzheimer’s disease also gradually damages memory and cognitive abilities, making daily life increasingly difficult.
According to the Alzheimer’s AssociationCurrently, more than 6.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Many older adults ultimately die from Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, underscoring the need for effective prevention.
One nutritional approach that is turning heads is the ketogenic or “keto” diet, which is high in fats, moderate in protein, and very low in carbohydrates.
When carbohydrate intake is restricted, the body switches to using ketones (molecules produced from fat) as its main energy source.
In this study, researchers combined the keto diet with elements from the Mediterranean diet. This hybrid approach emphasizes foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil, which are staples in the Mediterranean regions including Greece and Italy.
The research team included twenty adults in the study. Some participants had mild memory problems without a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, while others showed no signs of cognitive impairment. The participants were divided into two groups.
One group followed the Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet, while the other followed a low-fat, high-carb diet. Each diet was followed for six weeks.
To observe how diet might influence brain health, the researchers examined changes in gut bacteria by analyzing stool samples collected from participants.
The results showed that the Mediterranean ketogenic diet changed gut bacteria in participants with memory disorders.
These changes can impact brain health. For example, after following the Mediterranean ketogenic diet, participants showed lower levels of gut bacteria that produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter involved in brain signaling.
Abnormally low GABA activity has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and at the same time the diet appeared to increase the amount of bacteria involved in regulating GABA balance.
The study also found that when participants consumed curcumin – a compound found in turmeric – their gut microbiota had fewer bacteria involved in bile acid metabolism, substances the body produces to help digest fats.
Overall, the findings suggest that a Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet, along with certain dietary ingredients such as curcumin, may influence gut bacteria in a way that supports brain health. However, the researchers emphasize that further research is needed to confirm these effects.
