Tucking into fish, berries, and nuts might help protect against Alzheimer's disease in people carrying a specific genetic risk factor, new findings have revealed.
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet could potentially prevent or slow cognitive decline in those with the APOE4 gene - the most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's.
Published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, the findings suggest this dietary approach works by improving gut bacteria and boosting brain energy levels.
The benefits are particularly pronounced in women, offering hope for early intervention before symptoms typically appear after age 65.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
A high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet could prevent brain decline
|GETTY
People born with the APOE4 gene face particular challenges when it comes to brain health, as this genetic variant has been linked to early changes in brain metabolism and gut bacteria.
The trouble is that those carrying this gene - especially women - struggle to convert glucose from carbohydrates into brain fuel.
"When we eat carbs, our brains convert the glucose into fuel for our brains, but those with the APOE4 gene, particularly females, struggle to convert the glucose into brain energy, and this can lead to cognitive decline down the road," explained study co-author Kira Ivanich.
It's this metabolic dysfunction that researchers believe could be addressed through dietary changes before cognitive problems begin.
The ketogenic diet appears to work its magic by transforming the gut microbiome in beneficial ways.
When people follow this high-fat approach, their bodies produce chemicals called ketones as an alternative fuel source, which may help preserve brain cell health.
The research found that the diet boosted helpful bacteria like Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus reuteri while reducing harmful Bacteroides intestinalis.
These gut bacteria changes led to improvements in brain mitochondria function, better fat metabolism, and a healthier balance of crucial brain chemicals.
"These findings highlight the ketogenic diet's potential to reprogram the gut-brain axis," the scientists noted, suggesting this dietary shift could offer a powerful tool for those at genetic risk.
The research team emphasises that personalised approaches work best, rather than expecting one solution to fit everyone.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Alzheimer's symptoms tend to be irreversible once they appear
|GETTY
"Instead of expecting one solution to work for everyone, it might be better to consider a variety of factors, including someone's genotype, gut microbiome, gender, and age," says study co-author Ai-Ling Lin.
Since Alzheimer's symptoms tend to be irreversible once they appear, the key is starting dietary interventions well before age 65.
"The time to be thinking about preserving brain health is well before then, so hopefully our research can offer hope to many people through early interventions," Lin adds.
The finding offers hope to those with the APOE4 gene who can now take proactive steps through diet.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter