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VOL. 10, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Therapeutic role of ketogenic diet in neurological disorders: Epilepsy to Alzheimer’s
Authors
Jyothsna Devi, Sarmistha Rout, Somy Mary Mathew, Anushree Biswas
Abstract
The ketogenic diet (KD)—a high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate dietary
therapy that induces nutritional ketosis—has re-emerged as an evidence-based
intervention for drug-resistant epilepsy and is increasingly investigated
across neurological disorders including migraine, traumatic brain injury,
autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Proposed mechanisms span neuronal excitability modulation via altered
neurotransmission, improvements in mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress,
anti-inflammatory signaling, epigenetic effects, and enhanced cerebral
energetics through ketone bodies (β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate). Robust
pediatric data support efficacy for refractory epilepsy and specific metabolic
epilepsies (e.g., GLUT1 deficiency), while adult epilepsy studies show growing
but smaller evidence bases. For Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive
impairment, early trials of ketogenic or medium-chain triglyceride
(MCT)–supplemented diets suggest cognitive benefits, particularly in APOE
ε4–negative individuals, though results are mixed and adherence challenges
remain. Safety considerations include gastrointestinal intolerance,
dyslipidemia, renal stones, micronutrient insufficiency, and rare
complications; careful screening, monitoring, and multidisciplinary
implementation mitigate risk. This review synthesizes mechanistic rationales,
clinical evidence, protocols, and knowledge gaps, outlining priorities for
rigorous trials, biomarkers of response, and patient-tailored approaches.
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Pages:211-216
How to cite this article:
Jyothsna Devi, Sarmistha Rout, Somy Mary Mathew, Anushree Biswas "Therapeutic role of ketogenic diet in neurological disorders: Epilepsy to Alzheimer’s". International Journal of Advanced Scientific Research, Vol 10, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 211-216
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