Modified ketogenic diet for improving cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment

Efficacy of Modified Ketogenic Diet in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairments

Not applicable Interventional Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT06444568

This study is testing if a special modified ketogenic diet can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment improve their thinking skills over 12 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages65 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06444568 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study investigates the effectiveness of a 12-week modified ketogenic diet (MKD) on cognitive functions in older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). A total of 36 participants aged 65-80 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a passive control group, an active control group following the MIND diet, or the MKD intervention group. The study aims to assess improvements in cognitive function, physical performance, and metabolic/inflammatory biomarkers compared to the control groups. Participants will be monitored throughout the study to evaluate the impact of the dietary intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 65-80 diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or psychological disorders, significant comorbidities, or those outside the age range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive functions in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, potentially slowing disease progression.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with ketogenic diets in cognitive function, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having been diagnosed with "amnestic mild cognitive impairment/disorder (aMCI)" by the clinician after the evaluation of cognitive functions according to the neuropsychological evaluation method (0.5 according to the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR).)
* Having at least 6 years of education.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under the age of 65 or over the age of 80.
* Diagnosis of neurological (other than MCI) or psychological diseases.
* GDS-15 score \> 5 (baseline)
* Kidney/pancreas/liver diseases or dysfunctions, Type 1 diabetes (and Type II diabetic patients receiving insulin replacement therapy), cancer, metabolic diseases (fatty acid oxidation defect, etc.), thyroid dysfunction, pulmonary or autoimmune diseases, head trauma, history of any cardiovascular event (i.e., stroke, myocardial infarction) in the last year.
* Hypercholesterolemia (fasting T-C \>300 mg/dL or LDL-C \>200 mg/dL), non-reference B12 or folate levels according to biochemical tests performed in the last year.
* Nutritional risks (chewing/swallowing difficulties, history of involuntary weight loss in the last 6 months, body mass index \< 22 kg/m2).
* Use of internal device/implant (pacemaker or hearing aid, etc.).
* Medication use (individuals using anticholinergic, antidementia, and opioid class drugs will be excluded; individuals using antidepressant class drugs will be included in the study on the condition that it has been continued for at least 3 months and there is no change in drug type and dose during the study protocol.)

Where this trial is running

Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Amnestic Mild Cognitive DisorderAmnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.