Great news: A ketogenic diet in Alzheimer’s patients may actually increase memory capacity and improve brain function. This is critical information given the extent of Alzheimer’s sufferers in our population – and it’s growing!
Alzheimer’s Today
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that almost 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s and many of those Alzheimer’s patients live in Manhattan. Additionally, someone develops the disease every 65 seconds. There is a dire need for solutions.
Particularly, a good support network is crucial to the management of the disease. To date, 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s. However, it is important to consider the terrible toll the disease takes on caregivers.
Yet, there is hope in more ways than one. Researchers continue to make new research advancements and to uncover promising developments in treatment options.
The Importance of Insulin
According to Clinical Neurology News, insulin plays a key role in brain function, glucose metabolism, and amyloid beta/tau regulation. Amyloid beta and tau buildup can damage brain cells responsible for memory and cognition. So, insulin plays a critical role in regulating the accumulation of amyloid and tau.
At the 2017 World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease, Suzanne Craft, PhD explained the importance of insulin. After insulin crosses the blood-brain barrier, it binds to receptors and modulates important brain functions. However, it is now known that modulation malfunctions can result in insulin resistance and, ultimately, Alzheimer’s disease.
Today, doctors use intranasal insulin to treat patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. However, a new, non-pharmacological approach has also shown promise – the ketogenic diet.
How A Ketogenic Diet In Alzheimer’s Patients Can Help
The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet. Its benefit are found in how it depletes the body of excess sugar. Many health experts argue that it should be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, researchers speculate that the unique diet may be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Craft’s research team divided 87 middle-aged people into two groups. One ate a high salt, sugar, and saturated fat Western diet. Meanwhile, the other group ate a healthier diet.
Not surprisingly, those on the Western diet showed reduced memory and blood flow after 4 weeks. Meanwhile, participants in the healthy diet showed increased blood flow to several regions of the brain. They also reported improved memory function. The results were significant.
Personalized, Compassionate Care at David York Agency
At David York Agency, we understand the toll Alzheimer’s takes on caregivers in Manhattan. So, if someone you love requires full-time or part-time care at home, contact us. Our healthcare professionals can provide personalized, compassionate care to your loved one. They can assist with everything from meal preparation to companionship.
For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn
