Korean J Community Nutr.  2019 Dec;24(6):525-534. 10.5720/kjcn.2019.24.6.525.

Effects of Low-carbohydrate and High-fat Diet Supplemented with Ketogenic Drink on Cognitive Function and Physical Performance in the Elderly at High Risk for Dementia

• Kim EJ
• Park JS
• Choi WS
• Park YK

• KMID: 2467444
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2019.24.6.525

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Reduced glucose utilization in the main parts of the brain involved in memory is a major cause of Alzheimer's disease, in which ketone bodies are used as the only and effective alternative energy source of glucose. This study examined the effects of a low-carbohydrate and high-fat (LCHF) diet supplemented with a ketogenic nutrition drink on cognitive function and physical activity in the elderly at high risk for dementia.
METHODS
The participants of this study were 28 healthy elderly aged 60-91 years showing a high risk factor of dementia or whose Korean Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) score was less than 24 points. Over 3 weeks, the case group was given an LCHF diet with nutrition drinks consisting of a ketone/non-ketone ratio of 1.73:1, whereas the control group consumed well-balanced nutrition drinks while maintaining a normal diet. After 3 weeks, K-MMSE, body composition, urine ketone bodies, and physical ability were all evaluated.
RESULTS
Urine ketone bodies of all case group subjects were positive, and K-MMSE score was significantly elevated in the case group only (p=0.021). Weight and BMI were elevated in the control group only (p<0.05). Grip strength was elevated in all subjects (p<0.01), and measurements of gait speed and one leg balance were improved only in the case group (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that adherence to the LCHF diet supplemented with a ketogenic drink could possibly influence cognitive and physical function in the elderly with a high risk factor for dementia. Further, we confirmed the applicability of this dietary intervention in the elderly based on its lack of any side effects or changes in nutritional status.

Keyword

dementia; low-carbohydrate diet; high-fat diet; mini mental state examination; cognitive function

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Alzheimer Disease
Body Composition
Brain
Cognition*
Dementia*
Diet
Diet, High-Fat*
Gait
Glucose
Hand Strength
Humans
Ketone Bodies
Leg
Memory
Motor Activity
Nutritional Status
Risk Factors
Glucose
Ketone Bodies

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