Neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of the ketogenic diet

"One recently published clinical study tested the effects of the ketogenic diet on symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (VanItallie et al., 2005). In this uncontrolled study, Parkinson’s disease patients experienced a mean of 43% reduction in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale scores after a 28-day exposure to the ketogenic diet. All participating patients reported moderate to very good improvement in symptoms. Further, as in Alzheimer’s disease, consumption of foods containing increased amounts of essential fatty acids has been associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (de Lau et al., 2005)."

A very good article. I am truly shocked that this extremely promising approach is not pursued by the medical establishment, leaving us to self trials.
Imad

I'm not shocked....it all comes down to the dollar. no profit for pharma in promoting accessible self-care. maybe its better that we learn how to take care of ourselves .....victimhood is ....well... tiring! and those without insurance may be better off than those with (out of necessity) -let them study that!

my doc is not a 400$/hour neuro-just a naturopath who can prescribe sinemet - and a quick phone call to him is $30!

we have to BE the change we wish to see - THATS what its going to take to shift the current paradigm!

iglad

I read the full article, fabulous, and very encouraging. Everyone should read it as it discusses possible mechanisms of action, all of which would help us, including increasing GABA levels (this is what Neurologix is doing).

The article has also been cited quite a bit, including this year, and when I have time I want to read the articles citing it. One discusses dopaminergic activity and the ketogentic diet, that should be really interesting.

We are going to try this at our house, will be hard with the kids, but this sounds really encouraging. A 43% improvement is better than any PD drug trial I have ever read about. I have read that you can avoid an increase in cholesterol ( most PWP are low in this anyway, so it shouldn't be a concern) if you use unsaturated fats for saturated. Good thing we like peanut butter at my house!

Imar, thank you for posting this. It is encouraging to see that the clinical trials are beginning to catch up with real life experience.