Presenters: Darien Reed
Authors: Darien Reed, Nicholas Bever
Faculty Advisor: Jeffrey Edwards
Institution: Brigham Young University
The ketogenic diet has gained notoriety in recent years for its ability to aid in weight loss, prevent heart disease, and even treat certain conditions such as type II diabetes and epilepsy. In addition, we believe that it may have pro-cognitive effects that could positively impact serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. One of the major negative outcomes of these illnesses is memory loss, which is in part a result of impaired synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to strengthen and adapt its connectivity. It’s also the process by which memories are formed. We hope to determine the impact of the ketogenic diet on synaptic plasticity, and in particular long term potentiation (LTP) or the strengthening of synapses. We will test two different groups of mice: a control group with control normal ketone concentrations and an experimental group that has higher ketones. Using hippocampal slices from each group, we will induce LTP and compare control to high ketone levels to determine if ketogenic conditions enhanced LTP. Our results will lend greater insight into the mechanism of potentiation which will greatly benefit the study of cognitive disorders.