Alzheimer’s disease is usually discussed in terms of plaques, tangles, and genetics. Dr. Stephen Cunnane has spent years studying another piece of the puzzle: what happens when the aging brain can no longer use glucose efficiently, and whether ketones can help fill that energy gap.
In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher and Dr. Cunnane discuss the metabolic side of cognitive decline, including insulin resistance, brain glucose metabolism, and why metabolic health may play an important role in both prevention and treatment.
They cover:
- Why brain glucose utilization declines with age and Alzheimer’s disease
- How ketones may provide an alternative fuel for the brain
- What clinical trials of ketogenic diets, MCTs, and exogenous ketones have found so far
- Why some studies show improvements in quality of life or daily function even when cognitive measures change less
- What APOE4 may mean for treatment and prevention
- Why type 2 diabetes is such an important modifiable risk factor for dementia
- The roles of exercise, carbohydrate reduction, MCTs, and other lifestyle strategies
- Why Dr. Cunnane believes prevention should begin long before cognitive symptoms appear
Dr. Cunnane also shares news about SPARCUS, the Sprott Prevent Alzheimer Research Collaboration at the University of Sherbrooke. The new program will support research and education around multi-domain metabolic approaches to cognitive health, including reduced carbohydrate intake, MCTs, exercise, and omega-3 supplementation.
The research is still evolving, but Dr. Cunnane argues that we already know enough about metabolic health to start taking modifiable dementia risk factors more seriously.
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Expert Featured:
Dr. Stephen Cunnane
Resources Mentioned:
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Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
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