Effects of an low carbohydrate/healthy fat/ketogenic diet on biomarkers of health and symptoms, anxiety and depression in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study.

To evaluate a low carbohydrate/healthy fat/ketogenic diet (LCHF/KD) on symptoms, depression, anxiety and biomarkers in adults with Parkinson's disease (PD). 16 adults ages 36-80 with PD participated in the intervention for 12 weeks. The study provided pre-post-study comparisons of biomarkers, weight, waist measurement, united Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Parkinson's Anxiety Scale (PAS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised-20 (CESD-R-20) Depression Scale. Although LCHF/KD improves blood glucose in diabetes and seizure control in epilepsy, research gaps exist in this dietary intervention in PD. Statistically, significant improvements occurred in several measurements, PAS scores and Part I of the UPDRS. The LCHF/KD shows positive trends with improvements in biomarkers and anxiety symptoms. Further research is needed to evaluate dietary interventions for PD.