Protein misfolding in the brain is a central player in both aging and Alzheimer’s disease, driving toxic protein buildup and brain cell dysfunction. However, evidence indicates that ketones—a critical brain fuel produced during fasting or exercise—may help reduce or prevent this damage. A recent cell study found that beta-hydroxybutyrate, a type of ketone, helps protect the brain by targeting toxic proteins for disposal.

Researchers delivered beta-hydroxybutyrate to brain cells collected from mice and monkeys via an exogenous ketone ester. They examined the cells for changes in protein solubility and pathways involved in protein breakdown. They also studied beta-hydroxybutyrate’s effects on pathological proteins, such as amyloid-beta, in a nematode model of Alzheimer’s disease.

They found that beta-hydroxybutyrate made pathological proteins insoluble, preventing their toxic spread while promoting their clearance through autophagy, the cell’s natural recycling process. This effect was specific to pathological proteins and wasn’t the result of changes in acidity or random chemical interactions. Beta-hydroxybutyrate also reduced amyloid-beta toxicity in nematodes.

These findings suggest that a ketone ester of beta-hydroxybutyrate counteracts the toxic buildup of proteins in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Further research is needed to translate these results to humans. Learn more about how ketone ester supplementation may improve brain health in this episode featuring Dr. Mark Mattson.