High-fat, low-carb diet may prevent Alzheimer’s, early research shows

A high-fat, low-carb diet may help protect brain health and slow memory loss, especially for people at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

The team studied the ketogenic diet, which emphasizes healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, fish, and olive oil, along with moderate protein and very low carbohydrate intake. By limiting carbs, the body produces ketones, an alternative energy source that can fuel the brain when glucose use is impaired.

Doctoral student Kira Ivanich is the lead author of the paper under the supervision of Ai-Ling Lin, a professor of radiology and biological sciences at Mizzou. Ivanich said she became interested in Alzheimer’s research after witnessing her grandmother’s decline, and she wanted to