Date of Award

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience

Director of Thesis

Joseph McQuail

Second Reader

Fabienne Poualin

Abstract

Neural aging is the process of physiological decline in the brain and increased vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease are associated with aging and the interaction of genetics and lifestyle choices. Previous research studies have connected Alzheimer’s disease with dysfunction in the metabolic system. To combat age-associated dysfunctions in the metabolic system, research studies propose using the ketogenic diet, which utilizes ketone bodies as an energy source instead of glucose. The thesis analyzes literature on the effect of neural aging on various model organisms, how a ketogenic diet affects aging model organisms, and how aging and a ketogenic diet affect differing sexes, and how other diets, such as caloric restriction, affect aging model organisms. By assessing the interaction between factors such as diet and sex, the thesis determines the importance of implementing dietary changes when discussing the protection of the nervous system against aging.

First Page

1

Last Page

29

Rights

© 2026, Bhavani Tuppale

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