Two independent investigations conducted in mice support that the ketogenic diet can improve memory in old age, as well as extend our lifespan. Also known as the keto diet, it is characterized by being high in fat, low in protein and very low in carbohydrates and has gained popularity in recent times due to its association with weight loss, adjuvant cancer therapy, and some epilepsy treatments.
Now, the two studies, led by Eric Verdin and John Newman of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California (USA) and by John Ramsey of the University of California (USA), conclude that diet Ketogenic might help improve memory and reduce mortality.
Both investigations, which have been published in the journal Cell Metabolism , tested the effects of four types of diets: ketogenic, low-carbohydrate, high-fat and the control group , in a group of mice. The scientists used tasks that included mazes, balance beams and wheels to test the mice’s development of cognitive abilities and physical strength as they aged. They also monitored their heart function and any changes in the regulation of gene expression.
The results revealed that the effects of the ketogenic diet on the body of rodents were very similar to those of fasting and other dietary restrictions. For example, insulin signaling and gene expression had the same impact as fasting.
The Buck Institute team found that the ketogenic diet applied on a cyclical basis, that is, alternated with the control diet, prevented obesity, reduced midlife mortality, and prevented memory loss in rodents.
“Older mice that were on a ketogenic diet had better memory than younger mice. That’s really remarkable,” says Verdin.
The keto diet can increase the concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHB) in the body, which, according to researchers, improves memory function. According to Verdin, this is the first study to detail the beneficial impact of BHB on memory and lifespan in aging mammals. “ This opens up a new field in aging research, as we believe the health benefits of BHB may go beyond memory, ” suggests Verdin.
The effects on memory were tested after ending the ketogenic diet and BHB levels had returned to normal, suggesting that the impact of the ketogenic diet was long-term.
“ Something changed in the brains of these mice to make them more resistant to the effects of age, which takes us to the next step in our work,” says Newman.
The researchers involved in both studies are excited by the fact that their conclusions largely confirm each other. In terms of clinical implications, the authors hope that more research could open the door to new treatments for age-related cognitive disorders .
Reference:
Cell Metabolism, Newman et al .: “Ketogenic diet reduces mid-life mortality and improves memory in aging mice” http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(17)30489-8 DOI: 10.1016 / j.cmet.2017.08.004
Related: Cell Metabolism, Roberts et al .: “A ketogenic diet extends longevity and healthspan in adult mice.” http://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131(17)30490-4 DOI: 10.1016 / j.cmet.2017.08.005
