Today I review the results of a Google search, “Scholarly Articles On The Efficacy Of The Ketogenic Diet In Alzheimer’s Disease”. Search conducted on 10-15-2025.
All that follows is from the above Google search.
AI Overview
Scholarly articles suggest the ketogenic diet (KD) shows promise for improving cognitive function and reducing neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with some studies reporting improvements in memory, brain blood flow, and the reduction of amyloid plaque deposition. However, findings are mixed, with some research noting the positive effects are dependent on the timing and duration of the diet and that potential adverse effects like gastrointestinal issues and transient hyperlipidaemia exist. A modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet has also shown promise in reversing peripheral lipid signatures associated with AD, according to a recent study.
Evidence for efficacy
Improved cognitive function:Multiple studies, including a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, indicate that KD or ketone supplementation may improve cognitive function in patients with AD and mild cognitive impairment, especially in the prodromal stages.
Reduced neuroinflammation:Research shows that a KD can lower markers of neuroinflammation, including reduced microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α.
Amyloid-beta reduction:Some studies have found that a KD can reduce the deposition of amyloid plaques in the brain.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs):A KD-based on MCTs has been associated with improvements in verbal memory and processing speed in patients with mild-to-moderate AD.
Alternative dietary approaches:A modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet has been shown to reverse the peripheral lipid signature of AD in humans, suggesting it may be a promising approach to mitigate AD risk and help with early symptoms.
Considerations and limitations
Timing and duration:The effectiveness of a KD may depend on the timing and duration of the intervention. Some studies have shown that a shorter period of KD treatment had a weaker effect, and a KD initiated at a later stage may not show cognitive improvement.
Adverse effects:Some studies have reported adverse effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms (constipation, nausea, vomiting) and transient increases in cholesterol and LDL levels.
Weight loss:KD can lead to weight loss, which is a factor that needs to be considered because it can be detrimental to the cognitive state of some AD patients.
Need for more research:More long-term studies are needed to determine if the observed improvements are maintained over time, especially after discontinuing the diet.
There are a number of links to scholarly articles on this topic in this Google search. I will be reviewing some of them in upcoming posts.