Research has shown that the modified meal plan lowered the concentration of a neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer’s
Science is getting ever closer to finding effective solutions for Alzheimer’s. A new study from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the United States has found that the modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet may benefit adults at risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6.5 million Americans live with the condition. In addition, 1 in 3 older adults die from the disease or from another form of dementia. In Brazil, Alzheimer’s affects 1.2 million people and there are 100,000 new cases each year.
“We hope that a better understanding of this complex relationship between diet, cognition and gut health will lead to new interventions to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s,” said Suzanne Craft, Ph.D., professor of gerontology and geriatric medicine at Wake Forest . University, school.
Diets and Alzheimer’s
This study builds on previous research by Suzanne’s team showing that a modified ketogenic diet may be beneficial in preventing cognitive decline. The research involved 20 adults, 9 diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 11 with normal cognition.
These participants were randomly assigned to follow a modified low-carb Mediterranean ketogenic diet or a low-fat, high-carb diet for six weeks, following a six-week washout period, to switch to the other diet.
Stool samples were collected from participants at the beginning and end of each dieting period. In addition, collections were also made six weeks after stopping the second diet to analyze changes in the gut microbiome. That is, the good and bad bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract.
Results
The researchers found that participants with MCI on the modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet had lower levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA-producing microbes. Participants on this diet also had higher levels of GABA-regulating bacteria.
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and GABA dysfunction is associated with neuropsychiatric conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. “Our study is the first to show that diet modulates GABA differently in CCL,” said Suzanne.
“These findings provide crucial insight into how diet can affect the microbiome and improve brain health. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the role dietary interventions play in patients with cognitive impairment,” he added.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
