Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body produced during periods of low carbohydrate intake, fasting, or ketogenic diets. There is emerging scientific interest in the use of BHB and related ketogenic interventions for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), primarily because of impaired glucose metabolism in the AD brain. Several small-scale clinical studies and animal research suggest that providing ketones as an alternative energy source may offer symptomatic benefits and neuroprotection in AD patients. For example, a randomized controlled trial (Henderson et al., 2009) found modest cognitive improvements in some patients with mild to moderate AD who received a ketogenic compound that increases BHB levels. Additional preclinical studies indicate ketones can reduce amyloid-beta accumulation and oxidative stress in animal models.

However, the evidence remains preliminary and inconsistent. Most human trials are small, short-term, or use mixed interventions (e.g., medium-chain triglycerides or ketogenic diets, not isolated BHB). There are no large, long-term randomized controlled trials demonstrating that BHB supplementation alone significantly slows disease progression or improves quality of life in Alzheimer's patients. Current scientific consensus is that while the rationale is plausible and early results are promising, more rigorous research is necessary before BHB can be considered an established therapy for AD. Thus, the evidence rating is 2 out of 5.

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