Scientists have found a way to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Missouri in the US have revealed that a high-fat, low-carb “ketogenic diet” may help protect brain health in people at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Fish and seafood, meat, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, eggs, and even full-fat dairy products have been studied for their potential to support brain function.

APOE4 GENE

In their research conducted at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Center, Prof. Ai-Ling Lin and her doctoral student Kira Ivanich wanted to examine the effects of a ketogenic diet on people with the APOE4 gene, which increases the risk of Alzheimer's.

A study in mice found that female mice carrying the APOE4 gene had a healthier gut microbiota and increased brain energy levels when on a ketogenic diet. However, the same effect was not seen in male mice.

These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet may be particularly beneficial for certain genetic and biological groups.

THOSE WHO HAVE THIS GENE ARE AFFECTED

Speaking to SciTechDaily, researcher Ivanich stated that the way the brain uses energy varies according to genetic factors:

When we consume carbohydrates, our brain converts glucose into energy. However, those with the APOE4 gene, especially women, have difficulty converting glucose into brain energy. This can lead to cognitive decline in later life. The ketones produced by the ketogenic diet can be used as an alternative fuel source for the brain, which may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.

“THERE IS NO ONE SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE”

Prof. Lin said these results highlight the importance of a “personalized nutrition” approach:

Rather than seeking a single solution for everyone, it may be more appropriate to consider factors such as genetics, gut microbiome, gender, and age. Since Alzheimer's symptoms generally appear after age 65, efforts to protect brain health should begin much earlier.

Lin stated that one of the reasons he chose the University of Missouri was the advanced imaging technologies in the NextGen Precision Health building:

"Here, we can perform many processes in our own laboratory that other institutions have to outsource. This is team science. By working together, we can create much greater impacts."

Thanks to the advanced equipment in the research center, the team can quickly transition from animal experiments to human trials.

The study was published in the Journal of Neurochemistry with the title “Sex- and genotype-specific effects of a ketogenic diet on gut microbiota and brain metabolism in mice carrying the APOE4 gene.”

WHAT IS A KETOGENIC DIET? A ketogenic diet is a type of diet that is high in fat, low in protein, and very low in carbohydrates (sugar). It helps the body enter a metabolic state called ketosis (reduced body fat stores) that facilitates the burning of fat for energy. The goal of a ketogenic diet is to consume more calories from protein and fat and fewer calories from carbohydrates. By allowing the body to break down fat into molecules called ketones, ketones circulate in the bloodstream and become the primary energy source for many cells in the body.

You can benefit from the following foods in the ketogenic diet:

- Meat products such as lamb, beef, lamb, chicken and turkey - Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel - Cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar and kashar - Eggs, butter - Low-carb vegetables such as green leafy, onion, pepper and tomato - Red fruits such as blueberries, blackberries and strawberries - Healthy oils such as olive oil - Nuts such as pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and almonds.