Using a ketogenic diet to treat Alzheimer's disease

The Ketogenic Diet for Alzheimer's Disease: a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study.

NA · Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris · NCT04701957

This study is testing if a ketogenic diet can help improve memory and thinking skills in people aged 50 and older with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (other)
Locations1 site (Paris)
Trial IDNCT04701957 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a ketogenic diet on patients with early onset Alzheimer's disease. The ketogenic diet aims to shift the brain's energy source from glucose to ketone bodies, which may help reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function. Participants will be monitored for changes in memory, executive function, and overall cognitive health while adhering to the diet. The study includes individuals aged 50 and older who have confirmed Alzheimer's disease and are able to communicate in French.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with confirmed Alzheimer's disease and a caregiver present.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, other neurological diseases, or severe chronic conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel dietary intervention to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the ketogenic diet has shown promise in animal models and in treating epilepsy, evidence in Alzheimer's disease is still limited and this approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 50
* AD confirmed by biomarkers (CSF and/or PET scan)
* CDR score=0.5 or 1
* Speaking/understanding French
* Presence of a caregiver

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diabetes
* Other neurological disease
* Chronic inflammatory disease or anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. NSAI, corticosteroids)
* Uncontrolled dyslipidemia
* Malnutrition (BMI \< 18; or weight loss \> 5% in 1 month or 10% in 6 months; or MNA \< 17)
* Severe chronic condition or organ dysfunction

Where this trial is running

Paris

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Alzheimer Disease, Early Onset

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.