Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Major depressive disorder (MDD) or simply depression affects around 20% of Canadians. Recently, studies have shown that MDD is linked with age-related diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This has caused scientists to hypothesize that this mental condition might be linked to a process of accelerated aging. This was confirmed by studies that investigated signs of early aging in the DNA of MDD patients, such as the shortening of the extremities of chromosomes (telomeres), reduced telomerase activity, and changes in specific parts of the DNA (a process called DNA methylation). These are events that occur normally as one ages, though are commonly present earlier in life in individuals with MDD. Our project aims to investigate the effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) on successfully treating MDD and reducing the rate of premature aging. The KD is simply a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate diet. Many studies have shown the effect of a KD on successfully treating various mood disorders. The KD has appeared to improve age-related brain stability, and our project plans to investigate this effect on patients with MDD. Two patient groups will be studied; those solely on a KD diet, and another group who will be consuming a KD with carbs. After 12 weeks, we will determine reductions in MDD symptoms, and analyze patient blood for changes in the markers of early aging. Our project will determine the potential of the KD as a viable therapy for treatment resistant MDD patients and help us understand its effect on premature aging. It will help contribute to finding new and better treatment options for depression, using nutritional approaches. This method may be more accessible and affordable to many MDD patients, providing them with an effective choice of therapy.