Ketogenic diet and cognition in neurological diseases: a systematic review

Context: In recent years, the ketogenic diet has gained special relevance as a possible therapeutic alternative to some neurological and chronic diseases. Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to answer the following question: Does a ketogenic diet improve cognitive skills in patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, refractory epilepsy, and type 1 glucose deficiency syndrome? To define the research question, the PICOS criteria were used, following the guidelines of the PRISMA method. Data sources: Medline/PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Dialnet, EBSCOhost, Mediagraphic, Sage Journals, ProQuest, and Wiley Online Library databases were used. Data extraction: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with the PRISMA method, a total of 63 entries published between 2004 and 2019 were used. Data analysis: The records extracted were analyzed from a qualitative approach, so no statistical analysis was carried out. Conclusion: Although scientific literature on the subject is scarce and there has tended to be a lack of scientific rigor, the studies reviewed confirmed the effectiveness of this diet in improving the cognitive symptomatology of the aforementioned diseases.

Automated summary

Despite the scarcity of scientific literature and lack of scientific rigor, studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the ketogenic diet in improving cognitive symptoms of the mentioned diseases.