Effects of ketogenic diet on cognitive impairment in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Arch Gerontol GeriatrSep 12, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchGeriatricsNeurology

Lining Xi, Junli Wan, Yan Hua et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of ketogenic diet (KD) on cognitive impairment in older adults, analyzing 12 randomized controlled trials with 707 participants. The study found that KD-related dietary strategies significantly improved overall cognitive function (SMD = 0.34, p < 0.01), particularly in memory and language functions, while also enhancing ketone body production.

Key findings

  • KD-related dietary strategies improved overall cognitive function (SMD = 0.34, p < 0.01).
  • Significant improvements in memory were observed (SMD = 0.53, p = 0.01).
  • Language function also showed significant enhancement (SMD = 0.43, p = 0.002).
  • KD increased acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, indicating effective ketone production.

Why it matters

Cognitive impairment in older adults can lead to significant functional decline. This study suggests that ketogenic dietary strategies may offer a potential intervention to improve cognitive outcomes, which could alleviate care burdens associated with cognitive decline.

Source

Published in Arch Gerontol Geriatr. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

ShareTelegramLinkedIn

AI-generated summaries may contain errors or omissions. Verify clinically important information with the original publication.

More in Geriatrics

Want this personalized?

Stop searching the literature. Choose what you follow and xxcode will build your personalized medical digest.

  • Your specialties
  • Your filters and thresholds
  • Clinical Research + Case Reports, tuned separately
  • Automatic weekly delivery
  • Audio and text

Prefer listening? Personalized audio digests are available with Pro.

Stay updated for free

Get the 3 most interesting publications in one specialty each week.

Weekly email. Unsubscribe anytime.