Evidence supporting the use of: Ketone salts
For the health condition: Dementia

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Synopsis

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

Ketone salts are used to elevate blood ketone (beta-hydroxybutyrate) levels, mimicking the metabolic state of ketosis seen in ketogenic diets. The scientific rationale for their use in dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, is based on the observation that the brains of individuals with dementia often have impaired glucose metabolism. Ketones can serve as an alternative energy source for neurons when glucose utilization is compromised, potentially supporting brain function.

Preclinical studies and small human trials have shown that ketone supplementation (including both ketone esters and salts) can raise blood ketone levels and, in some cases, lead to modest improvements in cognitive performance in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease. For example, a few randomized controlled trials have demonstrated improved memory scores with ketogenic interventions. However, most of these studies are short-term, involve small sample sizes, and often use ketone esters rather than ketone salts (salts are less potent and may cause gastrointestinal side effects).

There is currently insufficient high-quality evidence to recommend ketone salts as a standard treatment for dementia, and larger, longer-term studies are needed. Nonetheless, the use is grounded in a scientific hypothesis, with some preliminary evidence, but it is not yet strongly validated.

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