Mediterranean Keto Diet Could Improve Memory and Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

Mediterranean Keto Diet Could Improve Memory and Reduce Alzheimer's Risk

• According to a recent study, combining Mediterranean and ketogenic diets may improve cognitive performance and lower the chance of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• There is a link between some diets and a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease, according to earlier studies.
• A little over 60% to 80% of dementia individuals have Alzheimer's disease.

Although many individuals may have heard of the ketogenic or Mediterranean diets, scientists claim that combining these two well-known diets may offer advantages. Recent research indicated that combining Mediterranean and keto diets may improve cognitive performance and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study was published this month in the medical journal Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Can a diet truly aid in memory preservation?

The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease have been linked for many years. But this new study is among the first to establish a relationship between this specific food combination and Alzheimer's disease protection. Various diets and their impact on Alzheimer's disease have been linked in earlier research. Alzheimer's disease is a kind of dementia that impairs thinking, behaviour, and memory. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 60 to 80 per cent of dementia patients have Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive symptoms of the disorder inevitably get worse over time, making it challenging for the patient to carry out everyday chores.

"I believe that more and more people are beginning to view food as medicine. The concept has been seeing more of a rebirth lately, and it is significant, according to Dr Joel Salinas, a behavioural neurologist and researcher at NYU Langone Health and Chief Medical Officer of Isaac Health. The MIND diet was for a while one of our main suggestions for assisting in the reduction of [Alzheimer's] symptoms. People are considering changes to this diet that could make it more efficient.

A Mediterranean-ketogenic diet: what is it?

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, extremely high-fat eating plan that severely restricts carbs. The Mediterranean diet emphasises whole grains, olive oil, fish, fruits, and legumes while yet being low in carbohydrates and relatively rich in fat. When the two diets are combined, animal proteins, non-starchy vegetables, dairy, oils, and butter are included, along with the removal of processed foods, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages. The MIND diet and cognitive function have been linked in previous studies. The MIND diet encourages whole grains, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, beans, berries, chicken, fish, and olive oil, comparable to the modified Mediterranean keto diet.

Additionally, it suggests consuming less fried meals, red meat, cheese, and desserts. The MIND diet includes Mediterranean and keto diets but excludes legumes, fruits, beans, and whole grains. This is how it differs from the Mediterranean keto diet.

What impact does nutrition have on Alzheimer's risk?

The study demonstrated how nutrition may affect how the brain functions. Adults with prediabetes, either mildly cognitively impaired or cognitively normal, were put on either a high-fat modified Mediterranean-keto diet or a low-fat modified Mediterranean-keto diet for six weeks. They changed diets after a second washout period of six weeks. Throughout, the researchers took stool samples. The study discovered that people on the Mediterranean keto diet who had moderate cognitive impairment had lower levels of GABA-producing bacteria and greater levels of GABA-regulating microorganisms. GABA is a substance that supports brain activity. Alzheimer's patients' GABA is not working correctly. The ability to balance GABA may be able to control brain activity.

"I think the study itself is a pilot study," Salinas added. Only 20 or so participants finished the trial. They were considering conducting bigger research, and I'm curious to see how it turns out. Given that people might become impaired for several causes, like lack of sleep, vascular abnormalities, or Alzheimer's disease, which is the most frequent, I'd be curious to learn more about the population size, diversity, and levels of impairment that someone can have, as well as the underlying cause.

Simple ways to change your diet

While adopting a Mediterranean keto diet may have some benefits, making major dietary adjustments is frequently not sustainable for anybody. Small adjustments can have a significant impact over time and contribute to the development of durable habits. Harvard Medical School lists a few simple steps to adopt the Mediterranean diet as follows:

• substituting extra virgin olive oil for other fats.
• Every meal should start or conclude with a salad.
• increasing the variety of veggies on the menu.
• Eliminate sugary drinks.

The most important thing is to go in the direction of a better diet, according to Salinas. The more gradual the adjustments you may make to your behaviour, as opposed to making a big shift all at once, the more probable it is that they will stick. Increased heart health is one of the advantages of a Mediterranean ketogenic diet, he continued, and even moderate adherence to the diet can be advantageous compared to people who do not follow it at all.