A recent study has provided further evidence suggesting that ketogenic diets could have a positive impact on cognitive function in elderly male mice. The researchers not only confirmed the potential cognitive benefits of the diet but also delved into the specific mechanisms that may be responsible for this effect. This new insight into the relationship between diet, aging, and brain health raises important questions about how our dietary choices might influence cognitive function as we age.

Researchers have discovered a potential mechanism that may explain the improvements seen in aging male mice on ketogenic diets, also known as “keto diets”. They suggest that cycling male mice between a control diet and a ketogenic diet leads to an improvement in the signaling between synapses in the brain.

John Newman, MD, PhD, one of the authors of the paper, had previously published a proof-of-concept study that showed giving male mice a cyclic ketogenic diet reduced their midlife risk of death and prevented memory decline associated with normal aging.

“After reading two seminal papers published in 2017 that showed its beneficial roles in the overall health of aged mice, including brain performance, we decided to study the effect of the ketogenic diet,” said Christian Gonzalez-Billault, lead author of the new study on keto diets and aging.

“In their previous two studies, the researchers demonstrated notable enhancements in particular behavioral tasks commonly employed in animal research to assess memory and learning,” he elaborated.

“We were impressed by the improvement and decided to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the positive response. We also expanded our assessments to different levels, from the entire organism to molecular functions, to understand why the diet was beneficial for older animals,” explained González-Billault, who collaborated with Newman on the study.

The latest results from the team appear in Cell Reports Medicine.

“Exciting News: Keto Diet Linked to Improved Blood Sugar and Memory”

In order to further investigate the previous findings, the researchers took 19 male mice aged 20–23 months (considered “old age” in mice) and placed them on either a control diet or a ketogenic diet, alternating with the control diet every other week.

The metabolic parameters of the mice were measured for the first 12 weeks. Following this, the mice were kept on their diets and underwent behavioral testing for 5 weeks.The ketogenic diet was found to lower blood sugar, improve memory, and enhance motor abilities in older mice. Researchers also observed improved plasticity in the hippocampus brain region of older mice.Further testing showed that the improved plasticity seen in mice on a ketogenic diet was due to ketone bodies, produced when glucose levels are low, activating a signaling pathway between synapses.

“Discover the benefits of a keto diet for older individuals.”

Studies involving animals have indicated that the ketogenic diet could have potential cognitive benefits. This is particularly noteworthy in relation to small-scale human trials, which have shown promise for cognition enhancement, especially among elderly individuals with dementia.

The effects could be similar to those observed in studies conducted on animals, including reduced inflammation, enhanced regulation of blood sugar levels, and the ability of ketones to potentially enhance brain function. However, it’s important to note that the research is still in its preliminary phase, and more extensive clinical trials are required to validate these potential advantages.

The keto diet has limited human research and can be difficult to maintain because it restricts carbohydrates. It also reduces the intake of plant-based foods, leading to lower levels of important nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Instead, older adults are advised to follow diets that have more extensive research supporting healthy aging.

“If you’re thinking about giving the ketogenic diet a try, it’s crucial to work with a physician or registered dietitian. This collaboration will help ensure that you maintain a healthy intake of nutrients and achieve the best possible health results.”