A ketogenic drink improves cognition in mild cognitive impairment: Results of a 6-month RCT.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 33103819 · doi:10.1002/alz.12206
What was done
A 6-month randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a ketogenic medium chain triglyceride (kMCT) drink (15 g twice daily; n = 39) versus placebo (n = 44) in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cognitive testing, plasma ketone response, and metabolic profiles were measured at baseline and after 6 months. Analyses of covariance adjusted for pre-intervention scores, age, sex, education, and APOE4 status.
What was found
Compared with placebo, the kMCT group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in free and cued recall (Trial 1; P = .047), verbal category fluency (P = .024), Boston Naming Test total correct answers (P = .033), and Trail-Making Test total errors (P = .017). Cognitive outcomes correlated positively with plasma ketones, while plasma metabolic profile and ketone response were unchanged. Absolute baseline and post-treatment scores, effect sizes, and confidence intervals were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
Supplying ketone bodies as an alternative energy substrate via kMCT supplementation may support cognitive performance across memory, language, and executive functions in mild cognitive impairment.
Limits
The sample size is relatively small (83 total participants). The abstract omits numerical point estimates, standard deviations, and effect sizes. The 6-month duration cannot determine whether the intervention alters long-term clinical progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease.
Cited by
- supports Research by Mary Newport and Stephen Cunnane demonstrates that exogenous ketones are beneficial for individuals with mild cognitive impairment.