Blood markers to track how a Mediterranean‑ketogenic diet affects early memory loss
Liquid biopsies to evaluate the effect of a ketogenic diet on molecular circuitries associated with mild cognitive impairment
This project will look at whether a modified Mediterranean‑ketogenic diet changes blood-based brain markers in adults with mild memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237130 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would follow a Modified Mediterranean‑Ketogenic Diet (MMKD) or a comparison low‑fat diet while researchers collect blood samples and small extracellular vesicles (sEV, a type of exosome) as repeatable 'liquid biopsies'. They will analyze those blood-derived markers alongside cognitive testing, brain MRI, APOE genetic testing, and metabolic profiling; some participants may have CSF and PET imaging. The team aims to identify molecular pathways that change with the diet and to find who is most likely to respond. Participation requires clinic visits, sample collections, and adherence to the assigned diet over the study period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 or older with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (early memory problems) who can follow a dietary program and attend clinic visits.
Not a fit: People without memory impairment, those with advanced dementia, or anyone unable or unwilling to follow the diet or undergo blood draws, imaging, or lumbar puncture are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce blood-based tests that identify people who benefit from the diet and help tailor interventions to slow early cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: A prior pilot and the BEAT‑AD trial showed promising cognitive and metabolic effects of the MMKD in people with aMCI, while using exosome-based liquid biopsies to track diet response is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deep, Gagan — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Deep, Gagan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.