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
10.5720/kjcn.2019.24.6.525
- Author:
Eun Ji KIM
1
;
Jung Sik PARK
;
Won Sun CHOI
;
Yoo Kyoung PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Medical Nutrition, Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Korea, Student.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
dementia;
low-carbohydrate diet;
high-fat diet;
mini mental state examination;
cognitive function
- MeSH:
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
- From:Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
2019;24(6):525-534
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
