In this Journal Club episode, The Metabolic Link Hosts Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, Dr. Angela Poff, and Victoria Field review recent research exploring the use of ketogenic metabolic therapy in Parkinson’s Disease and Mental Illness.

The first study discussed investigates the effects of a ketogenic diet applied prior to versus after the onset of Parkinson’s disease in an animal model. Parkinson’s disease is a highly prevalent disease, with over 6 million people worldwide who suffer from it. We understand the fundamental feature of Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons, but researchers can’t yet fully explain why this loss occurs. It’s thought that neuro-inflammation might be a potential culprit and this study explores tackling such inflammation head-on with ketosis.

The groups also dives into the exciting and rapidly developing field of metabolic psychiatry, including the potential use of ketogenic therapy in treating mental illness. They discuss a review article that highlights the emerging evidence supporting the use of ketogenic therapy in serious mental illness which covers several case studies in even the most challenging of mental illnesses, including psychosis. The mechanisms behind why this therapy might improve mental health are also discussed.

Please find all research references below. In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

Research papers discussed in episode:

• The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Preventive Intervention with Ketogenic Diet Mediated by the Histone Acetylation of mGluR5 Promotor Region in Rat Parkinson's Disease Model: A Dual-Tracer PET Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36105302/
• Ketogenic Therapy in Serious Mental Illness: Emerging Evidence: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7387764/
• Schizophrenia, gluten, and low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets: a case report and review of the literature: https://nutritionandmetabolism.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1743-7075-6-10
• Ketogenic diet in the treatment of schizoaffective disorder: Two case studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28162810/
• The ketogenic diet and remission of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia: Two case studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30962118/

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.