Proof of Mechanism of a New Ketogenic Supplement Using Dual Tracer PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

Effect of a Ketogenic Supplement on Brain Energy Metabolism Measured by Neuroimaging in Mild Cognitive Impairment

A six month, placebo-controlled, parallel group project in which MCI participants will receive 30 g/day of a custom-made MCT-based ketogenic supplement or a matching placebo. Uptake of both the brain's fuels - ketones (as 11C-AcAc) and glucose (as FDG) - both before and after the intervention will be assessed by PET (position emission tomography) ; imaging and ketone pharmacokinetic as primary objective as well as fMRI, diffusion MRI and cognition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjective memory complaint
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 18-26/30 or a Mini-mental state exam (MMSE) score of 24-27/30
• autonomy for activity of daily living
• absence of depression

Exclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of a major cognitive disorder
• diseases or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation
• uncontrolled diabetes (fasting plasma glucose >7 mM or glycated hemoglobin >6.5%)
• major depression or history of alcohol or substance abuse within the past 2 years,
• already supplementing with coconut oil or MCT
• vitamin B12 deficiency
• uncontrolled hypertension, dyslipidemia, or thyroid disease,
• visual or hearing impairment impeding comprehension
• participation in another intervention trial
• inability to lie down without moving for 60 min (for the brain imaging)
• presence of implanted metal objects or devices contraindicated for MRI (phase 1)