Ketogenic Diet to Reduce Osteoarthritis Pain in MCI
University of Kansas Medical Center
Summary
Osteoarthritis and mild cognitive impairment are common conditions that share underlying biological processes related to metabolism and inflammation. This study will examine whether a well-formulated ketogenic diet influences pain, physical function, and cognitive outcomes in adults with osteoarthritis and mild cognitive impairment. Participants will follow a supervised ketogenic dietary intervention, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in symptoms and related biological markers. The goal of this study is to better understand shared mechanisms between joint pain and cognitive health and to explore whether a ketogenic dietary approach may support symptom management in these populations.
Description
OA and dementia are two leading contributors to disability worldwide. Although traditionally studied separately, accumulating evidence indicates substantial overlap in their underlying inflammatory, metabolic, and neuroimmune pathways. Chronic OA pain is associated with systemic inflammatory mediators, increased peripheral nociceptor sensitization, impaired descending inhibition, and central neuroinflammation driven by microglia and astrocyte activation. These same mechanisms contribute to cognitive decline, reduced synaptic plasticity, hippocampal vulnerability, and progression from MCI to AD…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 55–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * Diagnosis of major joint osteoarthritis * Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes that requires insulin * Cancer requiring chemo- or radiation therapy in the last 2 years * Cardiac event within 1 year * Recent history of renal stones * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia * Already following a ketogenic diet * Following a dietary pattern that does not allow for a ketogenic approach * Unable to control one's diet
Interventions
- OtherWell-formulated ketogenic diet
This is a very low carbohydrate eating pattern that is higher in fat with adequate protein. This approach focuses on a nutrient dense, whole foods approach to a ketogenic diet and recommends 4-6 servings of non-starchy vegetables per day, 1/4 cup of berries per day, daily intake of nuts/seeds, fatty fish 2-3 times per week, and an emphasis on healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil.
Location
- University of Kansas Medical CenterFairway, Kansas