Insulin regulates many processes involved in memory and cognitive function. However, age-related insulin resistance in the brain disrupts neuronal synaptic activity and contributes to cognitive decline. A recent study found that ketones may protect the brain from age-related insulin resistance in the brain.

Researchers induced acute insulin resistance in mouse hippocampal tissue and determined its effects on neuronal function. Then, they administered beta-hydroxybutyrate, a type of ketone, to the tissues and evaluated the outcomes.

They found that insulin resistance adversely affected aspects of neuronal communication, including synaptic activity, axonal conduction, network synchronization, synaptic plasticity, and action potential properties. However, ketones restored these functions.

These findings suggest that ketones rescue the brain from the deleterious effects of acute insulin resistance. The high blood glucose levels associated with insulin resistance induce glucotoxicity, which causes structural damage and functional impairments of neuronal cells. Learn more about the effects of insulin resistance in the brain in this clip featuring Dr. Dale Bredesen.