A groundbreaking study by A.T. Still University of Health Sciences has shed light on the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This research, led by Melanie Tidman and her team, was published in the journal Cureus.
Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder, second only to Alzheimer’s disease in prevalence. It affects about 1% of the population over 60 years old and increases to 4% in individuals over 80.
Early symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremor, rigidity, and difficulty walking, with cognitive decline often occurring in the later stages.
The ketogenic, or “keto,” diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has been used for centuries to treat certain medical conditions. It’s characterized by a high fat intake (70% to 80%), moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate content.
Recently, the keto diet has gained popularity not just for weight loss but also as a potential alternative or supplement to medication for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Traditional medications for Parkinson’s sometimes fail to significantly improve symptoms and often do not address associated depression and anxiety.
The study in question focused on a 68-year-old woman with stage I Parkinson’s disease, who also had mild symptoms of anxiety and depression. She followed a traditional ketogenic diet (70% fats, 25% protein, 5% carbohydrates) for 24 weeks.
The results were remarkable. The study reported significant improvements in various health biomarkers. There was a reduction in HbA1C (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels), C-reactive protein (CRP, a marker for inflammation), triglycerides, and fasting insulin levels.
Additionally, the woman experienced weight loss and a reduction in heart risk factors. Her ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) levels improved at both the 12-week and 24-week marks.
Furthermore, there was a notable reduction in her anxiety symptoms at these intervals. However, the improvement in depression symptoms was minimal at 24 weeks.
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that the ketogenic diet appears safe and effective for improving various health markers and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and Parkinson’s disease in patients with stage I of the condition.
They advocate for further clinical trials to validate these results on a broader scale.
This study opens up a new perspective on dietary approaches to managing Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the potential of the ketogenic diet as a complementary therapy in early stages of the condition. However, further research is necessary to establish more generalizable conclusions.
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