Keto diet tested as brain booster in early Alzheimer's trial
NCT ID NCT03472664
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
The BEAT-AD study is testing whether a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet can improve thinking and memory in 120 adults with mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's. Participants are randomly assigned to either a ketogenic diet or a low-fat diet for 16 weeks, with follow-up 8 weeks later. Researchers will measure changes in brain blood flow, spinal fluid proteins, and cognitive test scores to see if diet can alter Alzheimer's-related brain changes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Modified Mediterranean-Ketogenic Diet (low-carb/high-fat) or American Heart Association Diet (low-fat/high-carb)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that a specific diet helps slow cognitive decline in people with early memory problems, pointing toward a simple lifestyle approach for Alzheimer's prevention.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study (120 people) that only lasts 16 weeks on the diet. It measures biomarkers, not long-term disease progression, so results may not translate to real-world benefits. Diet adherence can be challenging.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
RECRUITINGWinston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••