Imagine you have a toolbox filled with different tools that can help you fix things around the house. Similarly, researchers have discovered a new tool in the field of aging and neurodegenerative disease: medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These MCFAs, found in ketogenic diets, have shown promising potential in improving mitochondrial function and autophagy, which are often disrupted in aging and neurodegeneration. Just like a handy wrench can help you tighten loose screws, MCFAs can help restore healthy aging and potentially alleviate the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. This means that MCFAs could be a valuable addition to our arsenal of therapies against conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and more. As scientists uncover more about the mechanisms behind MCFAs, they are finding exciting connections between metabolism and neurological health. If you want to dive deeper into the metabolic benefits of MCFAs and learn how they can combat dysregulation in aging and various neurodegenerative diseases, make sure to check out the full article!

Neurodegenerative diseases are a large class of neurological disorders characterized by progressive dysfunction and death of neurones. Examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Aging is the primary risk factor for neurodegeneration; individuals over 65 are more likely to suffer from a neurodegenerative disease, with prevalence increasing with age. As the population ages, the social and economic burden caused by these diseases will increase. Therefore, new therapies that address both aging and neurodegeneration are imperative. Ketogenic diets (KDs) are low carbohydrate, high-fat diets developed initially as an alternative treatment for epilepsy. The classic ketogenic diet provides energy via long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs); naturally occurring medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), on the other hand, are the main components of the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet. MCT-based diets are more efficient at generating the ketone bodies that are used as a secondary energy source for neurones and astrocytes. However, ketone levels alone do not closely correlate with improved clinical symptoms. Recent findings suggest an alternative mode of action for the MCFAs, e.g., via improving mitochondrial biogenesis and glutamate receptor inhibition. MCFAs have been linked to the treatment of both aging and neurodegenerative disease via their effects on metabolism. Through action on multiple disease-related pathways, MCFAs are emerging as compounds with notable potential to promote healthy aging and ameliorate neurodegeneration. MCFAs have been shown to stimulate autophagy and restore mitochondrial function, which are found to be disrupted in aging and neurodegeneration. This review aims to provide insight into the metabolic benefits of MCFAs in neurodegenerative disease and healthy aging. We will discuss the use of MCFAs to combat dysregulation of autophagy and mitochondrial function in the context of “normal” aging, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

Read Full Article (External Site)