Just Published: Light Therapy Improves Memory

I have exciting results of a new study just published: light therapy improves memory. This adds further evidence for the effectiveness of light therapy (now referred to by researchers as photobiomodulation) as a natural way to improve memory and cognition.

Subjects in this study all had mild cognitive impairment, not one that is extensive landing people in Alzheimer’s lock down nursing care facilities. The current thinking is that early dementia can be reversed. When it has progressed to an advanced stage, possibility of reversal is limited.

If you are one of the hundreds of members of my audience who have a Neuro Vielight device, please continue to use it 6 days a week, every week. If you do not currently use a Vielight Neuro device order information is available on this Vielight page: https://www.vielight.com/devices/vielight-neuro-duo-brain/
or call customer service where you talk with a helpful human, not an AI computer. The Vielight phone number: 1-877-355-8012 or email them at support@vielight.com

Vielight is the gold standard company that has supported the publication of 25 studies using their devices. The company offers a 10% discount with the coupon code healing4me or if you call to order, simply tell the agent you were referred by Parkinsons Recovery and they will apply the discount.

Why I do not Hesitate to Recommend This Option

If users do not celebrate the improvement in memory anticipated from using the Neuro device, the company invites you to return the unit within 6 months of use to claim an 80% refund.

This 2026 clinical study used the Vielight Neuro device. Published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, the study investigated the effects of light therapy using a Vielight Neuro device on adults with mild cognitive impairment. This is the critical stage when memory and thinking measurably slip before day-to-day independence is lost.

Method: The 2026 study involved 20 subjects using a Vielight Neuro device over six weeks. Researchers tracked cognition, blood metabolism, and brain imaging.

Key Findings:

Memory and cognition: Significant gains in episodic recognition memory and global cognition, while the sham group declined.

Brain energy and inflammation: A favorable shift toward efficient mitochondrial energy production.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com
robert@alzheimersrecovery.com

Redox Testimonials

There are now several hundred redox testimonials from individuals who report improvements in various aspects of their health. In this video I explain how to watch the reports of individuals who have found the ASEA redox technology to be beneficial.

The ASEA company makes no claims that their redox signaling technology offers relief from any illness, disease or chronic condition. Many users however have reported a wide variety of benefits.

In this video – I explain how you can watch testimonials from individuals who have confronted memory challenges. As with any new natural option, rely on your intuition and wisdom to decide where this option might also be a beneficial option.

The website to watch redox testimonials is:
https://realredoxresults.com

The password that must be entered to access the testimonials is: redox

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com

Redox Signaling

Researchers have only recently recognized the central role redox signaling plays to support the health of humans, plants and animals. It is the boost needed to reverse illness and sustain health.

For further information about ASEA and order information visit:
https://www.recoverwithredox.net

Redox signaling supports the ability of cells to respond appropriately to environmental stimuli. When each cell acts independently of other cells, its ability to avert illness and disease is compromised. Redox cell signaling activates communication among cells to support the body’s ability to reverse illness and sustain wellness.

Studies report that redox cell signaling …

  • Does no harm
  • Contains no toxins
  • Wakes up sleepy cells
  • Helps un-poison the body
  • Activates a natural process of healing
  • Has anti-viral properties
  • Addresses bacterial infections
  • Facilitates the production of glutathione by the body
  • Reduces reactions to chronic stress

When confronted with neurological challenges, the allostatic load becomes too great for the body to perform the functions of toxic elimination. All of the body’s elimination organs (eg: liver, kidneys, colon, skin) are confronted with getting rid of more toxins than can be processed out of the body at any given time. The problem is analogous to when a dam overflows.

As the body becomes less able to eliminate the toxins that have accumulated the overflow overwhelms the body’s ability to function. This compromises the natural ability of the body to rejuvenate and regenerate. With Alzheimers, the allostatic load becomes too overwhelming for the body to perform the functions of elimination and renewal.

Redox signaling helps reduce an allostatic load that has maxed out.

For further information about ASEA and order information visit:
https://www.recoverwithredox.net

Research on Redox Signaling

Researchers are clearly enthused about the prospects for redox signaling molecules. A search on the Pubmed.gov research platform lists 7,262 studies that have been published when searching the terms “redox signaling molecules”. The explosive interest in this topic indicates it merits serious consideration.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com
robert@alzheimersrecovery.com

Alzheimer’s Betalains Benefits

What is the connection between betalains (from beets) and Alzheimers? Furthermore, what in the world are the Alzheimer’s betalains benefits? Is this some type of new medicine designed to improve memory?

Answer: No. This is not a prescription medicine with side effects. Betalains are the red and yellow pigments found in beets and a few other foods. Researchers find Betalains combat Alzheimer’s disease by acting as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Watch my short video below where I focus attention on Betalains as a natural treatment for neurological conditions like Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
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Betalains help to …

  • Reduce the biomarkers of inflammation
  • Fight fatigue
  • Increase energy
  • Support mental alertness
  • Detox the liver
  • Fight free radicals

Purified betalains have been clinically shown to reduce inflammation by 47% and boost energy by more than 100%.

Below are two sources of additional information about Alzheimer’s betalains benefits. First, there is my interview with Kari Skinner. Click on the zoom replay link below to watch her presentation which focuses on food as medicine for neurological conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons

Alzheimers Betalains Health Benefits

Second, studies are included below that tout the advantages of taking betatains as a treatment for symptoms of Alzheimers (and Parkinsons). There is clearly increasing interest the value of food and, in particular, Betalains as a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Studies on Alzheimer’s Betalains Benefits

Plants (Basel). 2025 Mar 21;14(7):994. The Neuroprotective Potential of Betalains: A Focused Review

Abstract

Betalains are natural, hydrophilic pigments present in a variety of plants (such as beets) from the order Caryophyllales, extensively used as non-toxic food colorants and antioxidants. In recent decades, betalains have been intensively researched, with numerous studies confirming their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antinociceptive properties.

More recently, due to a significant increase in the aging population worldwide, there has been growing interest in the study of preventive effects of betalains on age-related, degenerative brain diseases. The aim of this review is to evaluate the potential neuroprotective role of betalains in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as other types of neurodegenerative and ischemic brain injuries.

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Note on the reference to Betanins below. Betalains are the entire class of pigments. Betanin is just one specific pigment molecule within this class.

Metab Brain Dis. 2023 Mar;38(3):805-817. Traversing through the cell signaling pathways of neuroprotection by betanin: therapeutic relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Modulation of cell signaling pathways is the key area of research towards the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Altered Nrf2-Keap1-ARE (Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Antioxidant responsive element) and SIRT1 (Sirtuin 1) cell signaling pathways are considered to play major role in the etiology and pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Strikingly, betanin, a betanidin 5-O-?-D-glucoside compound is reported to show commendable anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in several disease studies including AD and PD.

The present review discusses the pre-clinical studies demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of betanin by virtue of its potential to ameliorate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, abnormal protein aggregation and cell death. It highlights the direct linkage between the neuroprotective abilities of betanin and upregulation of signaling pathways.

The present review hereby for the first time elaborately discusses the reported neuroprotective abilities of betanin and decodes the Nrf2 and SIRT1 modulating potential of betanin as a primary mechanism of action behind, hence highlighting it as a novel drug candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the near future.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Alzheimers Recovery ®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com
robert@alzheimersrecovery.com

Photobiomodulation Studies

There has been an explosion of photobiomodulation studies over the past several years. I have previously reported results of studies that conclude photobiomodulation (light therapy) offers relief from neurological conditions such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers. These, however, are only a few of the conditions photobiomodulation studies conclude offer symptom relief.

Given the explosion of photobiomodulation studies recently – over 1500 studies alone published since 2025 – what conditions do the studies find photobiomodulation offer relief from symptoms?

Here is the list. Get ready to be surprised at the diversity of conditions photobiomodulation studies find this therapy to be effective.

  • Mitochondrial function
  • Cognition
  • Parkinsons
  • Alzheimers
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Transmission of stem cells
  • Macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Sperm motility
  • Wound healing
  • Inflammation
  • TMJ
  • Pain
  • Cancer
  • Alopecia
  • Brain function
  • Port wine birthmarks in infants
  • Bone regeneration
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Cardiovascular disese
  • Retinal Disease
  • Sleep
  • Spinal injuries
  • Neuropathy

And this is not even an exhaustive list!

As you can see above, there is at long last compelling evidence that light therapy is a medicine of the future. This prediction is no longer an idle speculation on my part!

Vielight.com is the gold standard company that has been inventing photobiomodulation devices since 2016. They deliver light therapy with patented helmet and nasal applicatorsThere have now been 25+ published studies using their devices that address many of the conditions listed above.

Vielight offers a 10% discount on purchases – coupon code is healing4me. If users do not celebrate a welcome relief from symptoms, the company offers an 80% refund for units returned within 6 months of use.

Over the past two decades I have documented dozens of natural treatments that offer the opportunity to experience relief from neurological symptoms. My top recommendation in 2026 is the Vielight photobiomodulation therapy which has been documented in studies to produce consistent welcome relief from neurological conditions.

The company has humans (not AI) who answer the phone and answer your questions – 1-877-355-8012. They are a Canadian company but units are shipped from the USA to USA destinations so no tariffs are involved. https://www.vielight.com

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com
360-789-1658

Program of Recovery for Alzheimers

Research over the past two decades focused on what helps sharpen memory has identified a program of recovery for Alzheimers. It would certainly be wonderful if one could take a pill or supplement and presto, five minutes later, memory is sharp as a tack. This sadly is a pipe dream which will never be realized.

The good news is that a set of daily habits do offer the opportunity to reverse dementia and celebrate a rejuvenation and regeneration of brain power. Below are listed the habits that make a difference to memory and recall in the long run.

  • A diet (often referred to as a Mediterranean diet) composed of 80% vegetables and “good” fats and 20% carbs.
  • Avoid eating sugar and packaged foods.
  • Regular exercise at least 4 times a week which involves a combination of cardiovascular (eg: running), stretching (eg: yoga) and strength (eg: weight lifting).
  • Fasting every day for at least 12 hours between the last meal of the evening and the first meal of the following morning.
  • At least 8 hours of sleep every night
  • Brain training (eg: https://www.brainhq.com)
  • Daily detoxing

Recovery does require an ongoing commitment to taking these actions. You will likely not celebrate a quick sharpening of memory – but persist. Making the steps listed above a daily habit will sharpen memory in the long run.

Robert Rodgers
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com

Plant Based Treatments for Alzheimers

As revealed in the three study abstracts posted below, researchers have recently been focusing their attention on plant based treatments for Alzheimers. Reviews of studies reveal promising results that provide an alternative to taking prescription medicines. Some of the more promising herbs are bacopa, ashwagandha, brahmi, cat’s claw, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, lion’s mane and turmeric, though others have proved to be useful as well.

Research on Plant Based Treatments for Alzheimers

Brain Sci. 2025 Feb 19;15(2):215. Cholinesterase Inhibitors from Plants and Their Potential in Alzheimer’s Treatment: Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, primarily due to dysfunction of acetylcholine caused by acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase.

While synthetic cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are commonly used, they have notable side effects, prompting interest in natural alternatives.

Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, have shown potential as cholinesterase inhibitors with additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the cholinesterase-inhibiting effects of various plant species and their compounds to identify new therapeutic candidates and reduce side effects.

Method: A PRISMA-compliant review was conducted, screening studies from multiple databases, with a final inclusion of 64 in vivo studies.

Results: These studies highlighted plant extracts such as Ferula ammoniacumElaeagnus umbellata (Autumn olive), Bacopa, and Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) which improved memory, reduced oxidative stress, and provided neuro-protection. Some extracts also reduced amyloid plaques, enhanced neuronal integrity, and restored cholinesterase activity, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Conclusions: The findings underscore the promise of plant-based compounds in treating cognitive decline and cholinergic dysfunction in AD, advocating for further research into their therapeutic potential.

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Nutrients. 2025 Feb 12;17(4):653. The Potential Role of Phytochemicals in Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by memory loss and cognitive disorders. The disease has been related to the presence of so-called senile plaques forming due to the buildup of amyloid β in the hippocampus.

The AD therapies developed to date continue to prove insufficient, while long-term exposure to synthetic drugs tends to lead to serious side effects, which is why potential herbal treatments are generally preferable to conventional drug regimens and, as such, have been under considerable research scrutiny in recent years.

There are a number of herbs, e.g., lavender Ginkgo biloba, that are already commonly employed in alleviating the symptoms of certain neurological disorders. In light of the above, the aim of the following paper is to discuss the importance of medicinal herbs, their neuro-protective properties, and their mechanisms of activity. The article presents a review of the identified therapeutic properties of phytomedicines that exhibit strong anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) activity.

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Biomolecules. 2021 Apr 8;11(4):543. Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Background-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, personality changes, and a decline in cognitive function. While the exact cause of AD is still unclear, recent studies point to lifestyle, diet, environmental, and genetic factors as contributors to disease progression.

The pharmaceutical approaches developed to date do not alter disease progression. More than two hundred promising drug candidates have failed clinical trials in the past decade, suggesting that the disease and its causes may be highly complex.

Medicinal plants and herbal remedies are now gaining more interest as complementary and alternative interventions and are a valuable source for developing drug candidates for AD. Indeed, several scientific studies have described the use of various medicinal plants and their principal phytochemicals for the treatment of AD.

This article reviews a subset of herbs for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cognitive-enhancing effects.

Methods-This article systematically reviews recent studies that have investigated the role of neuroprotective herbs and their bioactive compounds for dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease and pre-Alzheimer’s disease. PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases of articles were collected, and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the subject matter.

Conclusions-Medicinal plants (ashwagandha, brahmi, cat’s claw, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola, lion’s mane, turmeric) have great potential as part of an overall program in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline associated with AD. It is hoped that these medicinal plants can be used in drug discovery programs for identifying safe and efficacious small molecules for AD.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com

Say Goodbye to Dementia

Recent therapies make it possible to say goodbye to dementia.

Therapies to Sharpen Memory and Reverse Dementia

The number of new and innovative therapies that improve memory and cognition has skyrocketed over recent years. Many of them you have likely never even heard about. Recent research revelations are transforming how memory challenges can be successfully treated.

I warmly invite you to enroll in my new online course – Say Goodbye to Dementia. Cutting edge therapies are covered that nurture memory and support clear thinking. All recommendations are grounded in evidence based research.

The course includes a consultation with Robert Rodgers PhD, founder of Parkinsons Recovery. Family members and friends are encouraged to participate in the consultations.

Click on the link below to claim the 50% Tuition discount.
Say Goodbye to Dementia

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com
robert@alzheimersrecovery.com
Olympia Washington

Broccoli Seed Tea

Below find directions for preparing Broccoli Seed Tea which contains the bioactive compound sulforaphane. This process involves a crucial two-step reaction using both broccoli seeds and ground white mustard seeds as a myrosinase enzyme source. 

Ingredients:

  • Dry, high-quality broccoli seeds: 1 tablespoon (or about 15g to 35g, depending on the desired strength)
  • Ground white mustard seeds (sinapis alba): 1/8 to 1 teaspoon
  • Water: Approximately 1 cup (or 100-200ml) 

Equipment:

  • A pot or microwave-safe container
  • A thermometer to monitor temperature
  • A means to strain the seeds (optional)
  • A blender (optional, if incorporating into a smoothie) 

Instructions:

  1. Heat the water: Bring water to a specific temperature. Research protocols suggest heating the water to approximately 60°C (140°F) to inactivate an enzyme (ESP) that reduces sulforaphane yield in broccoli, while preserving the added myrosinase later. Do not boil, as high heat destroys the necessary myrosinase enzyme.
  2. Combine seeds and water: Add the desired amount of dry broccoli seeds to the temperature-controlled water.
  3. Allow extraction: Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps extract the precursor compound, glucoraphanin, from the seeds.
  4. Add myrosinase source: Stir in the ground white mustard powder. This provides the active myrosinase enzyme needed to convert the glucoraphanin into sulforaphane.
  5. Activate sulforaphane: Let the mixture sit for an additional 10 minutes to allow the conversion reaction to occur.
  6. Consume: The mixture can be consumed as is, or strained for a clearer “tea” (though some fiber is lost). Many people blend the preparation into a smoothie with other ingredients like fruit, nuts, or protein powder to improve taste and texture. 

Early evidence suggests that this tea was most helpful for addressing non-motor symptoms including fatigue, sleep quality, and lack of motivation. Urinary incontinence and nocturnal urinary frequency showed significant improvement as well.

These symptoms are closely linked to energy production. This suggests that the primary effect of sulforaphane is to enhance energy production in neurons by reducing damage to mitochondria. Oxidative stress is likely to be the predominant mechanism in the development of the process that gives rise to these non-motor symptoms.

Research on Sulforaphane as a Treatment for Neurological Conditions

Nutrients. 2025 Apr 15;17(8):1353. Sulforaphane and Brain Health: From Pathways of Action to Effects on Specific Disorders

Abstract

The brain accounts for about 2% of the body’s weight, but it consumes about 20% of the body’s energy at rest, primarily derived from ATP produced in mitochondria. The brain thus has a high mitochondrial density in its neurons because of its extensive energy demands for maintaining ion gradients, neurotransmission, and synaptic activity. The brain is also extremely susceptible to damage and dysregulation caused by inflammation (neuroinflammation) and oxidative stress.

Many systemic challenges to the brain can be mitigated by the phytochemical sulforaphane (SF), which is particularly important in supporting mitochondrial function. SF or its biogenic precursor glucoraphanin, from broccoli seeds or sprouts, can confer neuroprotective and cognitive benefits via diverse physiological and biochemical mechanisms. SF is able to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as to protect it, and it mitigates the consequences of destructive neuroinflammation.

It also protects against the neurotoxic effects of environmental pollutants, combats the tissue and cell damage wrought by advanced glycation end products (detoxication), and supports healthy glucose metabolism. These effects are applicable to individuals of all ages, from the developing brains in periconception and infancy, to cognitively, developmentally, and traumatically challenged brains, to those in later life as well as those who are suffering with multiple chronic conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

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Biochem Pharmacol. 2025 Mar:233:116797. Sulforaphane: An emerging star in neuroprotection and neurological disease prevention

Abstract

Neurological diseases, including both acute injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders, represent major contributors to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), which require long-term management, present significant challenges in the search for neuroprotective agents with reduced adverse effects and enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Sulforaphane (SFN), a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, has garnered considerable attention for its potent neuroprotective properties and overall health benefits. Marketed primarily as a dietary supplement, SFN has shown a variety of biological activities and therapeutic potential in neurological diseases.

Recent surging studies including ours have highlighted its ability to impede the progression of AD, PD, and cerebral ischemia by fostering neurogenesis and inhibiting apoptosis, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. This review aims to summarize the latest research on SFN, exploring its advanced therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms in various neurological diseases, offering a comprehensive overview for researchers focused on neurological pathogenesis and drug development in neuroprotection.

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Int J Mol Sci. 2020 Nov 16;21(22):8637. Efficacy of Sulforaphane in Neurodegenerative Disease

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a phytocompound belonging to the isothiocyanate family. Although it was also found in seeds and mature plants, SFN is mainly present in sprouts of many cruciferous vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. SFN is produced by the conversion of glucoraphanin through the enzyme myrosinase, which leads to the formation of this isothiocyanate.

SFN is especially characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and for this reason, it aroused the interest of researchers.

The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies present on Pubmed that report the efficacy of SFN in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, thanks to its beneficial effects, SFN could be useful as a supplement to counteracting neurodegenerative diseases.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder Alzheimers Recovery ®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com

Groundbreaking Treatment for Alzheimers

There has been little in the way of progress for treatments that reverse dementia. Until now. A 2025 study reports that ketone esters are a groundbreaking treatment for Alzheimers. I have posted an abstract of the review study below for your inspection.

Ketone Esters are available on the Ketoneaid.com website. Enter the coupon code zeropoint to claim free shipping.

About Ketone Esters

The brain is fueled by two sources: glucose and ketones. Glucose is produced in the body when eating carbohydrates. Ketones are produced by the liver when fasting and when eating foods that have a high fat content.

Of the two sources of fuel for the body, ketones are preferred over glucose when it comes to problems with memory. Think of ketones as clean fuel and glucose as “sticky” fuel. Do you want your brain to be energized by clean fuel or sticky fuel? I prefer clean myself. Of course, we need both but when it comes to a high functioning memory, ketones are a preferred source of fuel over glucose.

Ketone Esters: a New Option for Treatment of Alzheimers

Researchers have known since the turn of the century that ketones are a beneficial therapy for brain disorders. The challenge has been that until the last several years, the cost of manufacturing a gram of ketones was $1,000. No one could afford this!

Researchers finally discovered a way to make ketones in the lab. They have now been available commercially for about a decade.

The first group to begin taking the ketone esters enthusiastically has been professional athletes who experience a 10-15% increase in performance from taking the ketone esters. They have now been found to be beneficial as a treatment for Alzheimers as documented in the study below.

MedRxiv. 2025 Sep 18:2025.09.17.25335999. The Effect of Exogenous Ketone Bodies on Cognition in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease and in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Importance: Impaired cognitive function is a hallmark of neuropsychiatric disease, posing a significant challenge to patients, clinicians and healthcare systems. Emerging research on ketone bodies suggests they may function as an alternative fuel for the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function through both metabolic and signaling pathways. An alternative to inducing ketosis by lowering dietary carbohydrate intake is consumption of exogenous ketones (EK).

Objective: It is unknown whether the existing literature collectively supports a beneficial effect of EK on cognitive function; this systematic review and metanalysis aims to aggregate available data and address this gap.

Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched in October 2023 for key words and free words referring to ketone bodies, cognition, and health-related conditions.

Study selection: Multiple reviewers selected 29 studies for inclusion in the analysis from the initial 1678 search results, which included randomized control studies of healthy participants and patients with neuropsychiatric conditions, using exogenous ketones as an intervention alongside a placebo, that included outcomes assessing cognitive function.

Data extraction and synthesis: A PRISMA model was used for abstracting data, and the PEDRo scale was used to assess study quality. Data was extracted and verified by independent investigators.

Main outcome: Cognitive function measures.

Results: 29 studies (1,347 participants) were included, with 18 studies (875 participants) in the meta-analysis. Results indicate that EK administration has a modest but statistically significant positive effect on cognitive performance (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11 – 0.40, p = 0.0007). Sub-group analyses showed no significant differences between study duration (acute vs. intermediate; p = 0.50), ketone form (mono-esters vs. medium-chain triglycerides; p = 0.06), population type (healthy vs. Alzheimer’s disease; p = 0.21), or the presence of acute cognitive stressors (p = 0. 25).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that EK could be a promising adjunctive strategy in dementia management, offering potential benefits even in patients who maintain sufficient carbohydrate intake. EK may provide psychiatrists with an innovative, non-invasive approach to supporting cognitive resilience in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. 

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2005
Alzheimers Recovery®
https://www.alzheimersrecovery.com