Keto diet may increase memory, reduce mortality

Two new studies, both conducted in mice, support each other's findings: that the ketogenic, or "keto," diet may improve memory in old age as well as prolong lifespan.

The ketogenic diet, which is more commonly known as the keto diet, aims to reduce carbohydrateintake in favor of consuming more fat and sufficient protein.

Recently, this diet type has started to garner more attention; studies have variously linked it with weight loss benefits, adjuvant cancer therapy, and some epilepsy treatments.

And two new independently conducted studies now suggest that the keto diet might help to improve memory and reduce mortality. One study - led by Drs. Eric Verdin and John Newman, both from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, CA - looked at the effect of the keto diet on aging mice.

The second study - led by Dr. John Ramsey, from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine - looked at adult mice and had similar findings about the impact of the keto diet, with the addition that it may also improve strength and coordination.

Both papers were published today in the journal Cell Metabolism.