Neurology

Impact of a keto diet on symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, biomarkers, depression, anxiety and quality of life: a longitudinal study

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease and is characterized by progressive motor and nonmotor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, cognitive deficits, and anxiety. Current treatments focus on symptom relief with medications like Levodopa. However, there is growing interest in lifestyle approaches, such as the ketogenic diet, which may offer neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits through the production of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).

A pilot trial investigated the effects of a ketogenic diet on symptoms, health biomarkers, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in seven individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

For 24 weeks, participants followed a ketogenic diet providing approximately 1750 calories and 152 grams of fat, 75 grams of protein, and less than 20 grams of net carbohydrates daily. They kept food logs and tested their blood ketone and glucose levels at home once a week.

The researchers reported the following key findings:

Quantitative:

• Participants achieved significant reductions in triglyceride levels, HbA1c, waist circumference, and body weight, with near significant reductions in fasting insulin.
• Participants consistently achieved an acceptable level of nutritional ketosis (BHB levels 0.5–2.0 mmol/L) throughout the 24 weeks, demonstrating adherence.

Qualitative:

• Participants reported enhanced cognitive function, mood, motor and nonmotor symptoms; reduced pain and anxiety; and overall improvements in quality of life. All seven expressed a commitment to maintaining the ketogenic diet for ongoing health benefits.

This pilot trial found that a ketogenic diet is safe, feasible, and potentially effective in alleviating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The authors state that larger, randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate these findings and investigate dietary interventions as alternative treatments for people living with Parkinson’s disease.