Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Feb 1, 2025

Effects of β-Hydroxybutyrate on Cognition in Memory-Impaired Adults

Effects of β-Hydroxybutyrate on Cognition in Memory-Impaired Adults

Effects of β-Hydroxybutyrate on Cognition in Memory-Impaired Adults

This clinical study tested whether ketone elevation via medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) improves cognitive function in adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A single MCT dose raised blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and improved performance on memory tests—especially in individuals without the APOE-ε4 gene. Paragraph recall and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) scores improved in APOE-ε4 negative subjects, with higher BHB levels correlating to better memory performance. These results support ketones as a fast-acting fuel for cognitive support in early neurodegeneration.

This clinical study tested whether ketone elevation via medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) improves cognitive function in adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A single MCT dose raised blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and improved performance on memory tests—especially in individuals without the APOE-ε4 gene. Paragraph recall and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) scores improved in APOE-ε4 negative subjects, with higher BHB levels correlating to better memory performance. These results support ketones as a fast-acting fuel for cognitive support in early neurodegeneration.

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Summary of

Effects of β-Hydroxybutyrate on Cognition in Memory-Impaired Adults

By

Mark A. Reger

Mark A. Reger

, et al.

, et al.

View Study PDF

Purpose

To assess whether acute elevation of BHB via MCT supplementation can enhance cognitive function in adults with memory impairment, and whether APOE-ε4 genotype influences this effect.

Methods

Twenty adults with AD or MCI consumed either emulsified MCTs or a placebo in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. Cognitive testing occurred 90 minutes after intake. Blood BHB levels were measured, and APOE genotype was recorded.

Results

BHB levels increased significantly after MCT ingestion. APOE-ε4 negative subjects showed marked cognitive improvement on the ADAS-cog and paragraph recall. No benefit was seen in APOE-ε4 positive subjects, despite higher BHB levels. The cognitive gains correlated with serum BHB concentrations.

Conclusion

BHB acutely improves cognition in APOE-ε4 negative individuals with memory impairment, likely by supplying an alternative brain fuel during glucose metabolism deficits. These findings suggest personalized ketone strategies based on genetic profile could benefit cognitive performance in AD and MCI.

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Jan 1, 2021

Effects of a Ketone/Caffeine Supplement on Cycling and Cognitive Performance
This Ohio State University study explored whether a ketone-salt and caffeine supplement could enhance exercise and cognitive performance in healthy, non-keto-adapted adults. Twelve recreationally trained participants consumed either the supplement or water before cycling to exhaustion. The supplement raised ketone levels over twofold and significantly increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and Wingate average power by 4.3%. No significant cognitive benefits were observed. The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse GI events. These findings support the ergogenic use of ketone salts with caffeine for boosting high-intensity exercise performance.

Aug 1, 2019

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Billed as a medicinal mushroom for centuries, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is now being studied for its brain‑boosting effects. In this double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 34 adults over 50 were randomized to take powdered H. erinaceus capsules or placebo for 12 weeks; 31 completed the study. Cognitive function was tested at the start, halfway, and end using the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton visual retention, and paired‑associate learning tests. Those who consumed the mushroom saw significant improvement and prevented decline in Mini Mental State scores compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported, and researchers attribute benefits to neurotrophic compounds in the mushroom.

Sep 15, 2016

Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Bacopa monnieri, or Brahmi, is an Ayurvedic herb praised for memory support. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 second-year medical students received either 150 mg standardized Bacopa extract or placebo twice daily for six weeks. Participants completed baseline cognitive tests and repeated them after treatment. Those taking Bacopa improved in working-memory and logical-memory tasks, while the placebo group showed no such gains. Blood tests revealed a rise in serum calcium and slight improvements in lipid profiles that remained within normal ranges. The findings suggest that Bacopa supplementation may boost cognitive performance even in individuals with high baseline abilities.

Jan 1, 2021

Effects of a Ketone/Caffeine Supplement on Cycling and Cognitive Performance
This Ohio State University study explored whether a ketone-salt and caffeine supplement could enhance exercise and cognitive performance in healthy, non-keto-adapted adults. Twelve recreationally trained participants consumed either the supplement or water before cycling to exhaustion. The supplement raised ketone levels over twofold and significantly increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and Wingate average power by 4.3%. No significant cognitive benefits were observed. The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse GI events. These findings support the ergogenic use of ketone salts with caffeine for boosting high-intensity exercise performance.

Aug 1, 2019

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Billed as a medicinal mushroom for centuries, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is now being studied for its brain‑boosting effects. In this double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 34 adults over 50 were randomized to take powdered H. erinaceus capsules or placebo for 12 weeks; 31 completed the study. Cognitive function was tested at the start, halfway, and end using the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton visual retention, and paired‑associate learning tests. Those who consumed the mushroom saw significant improvement and prevented decline in Mini Mental State scores compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported, and researchers attribute benefits to neurotrophic compounds in the mushroom.

Jan 1, 2021

Effects of a Ketone/Caffeine Supplement on Cycling and Cognitive Performance
This Ohio State University study explored whether a ketone-salt and caffeine supplement could enhance exercise and cognitive performance in healthy, non-keto-adapted adults. Twelve recreationally trained participants consumed either the supplement or water before cycling to exhaustion. The supplement raised ketone levels over twofold and significantly increased time to exhaustion by 8.3% and Wingate average power by 4.3%. No significant cognitive benefits were observed. The supplement was well tolerated, with no adverse GI events. These findings support the ergogenic use of ketone salts with caffeine for boosting high-intensity exercise performance.

Aug 1, 2019

Improvement of cognitive functions by oral intake of Hericium erinaceus
Billed as a medicinal mushroom for centuries, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is now being studied for its brain‑boosting effects. In this double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial, 34 adults over 50 were randomized to take powdered H. erinaceus capsules or placebo for 12 weeks; 31 completed the study. Cognitive function was tested at the start, halfway, and end using the Mini Mental State Examination, Benton visual retention, and paired‑associate learning tests. Those who consumed the mushroom saw significant improvement and prevented decline in Mini Mental State scores compared with placebo. No serious side effects were reported, and researchers attribute benefits to neurotrophic compounds in the mushroom.
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