8th Global Symposium on Ketogenic Therapies

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PROJECT SUMMARY The ketogenic diet (KD) is an established medical therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy, and since its origins in 1921 has steadily grown in clinical importance and worldwide implementation. Moreover, the expanding research into the scientific underpinnings of this metabolism-based treatment have highlighted numerous novel mechanisms. Moreover, there is mounting experimental evidence for potential disease-modifying and neuroprotective properties of metabolic substrates such as ketone bodies and fatty acids, such that preclinical and clinical investigators have been exploring broader uses of the KD and its variants in diverse neurological (and even mental health) conditions such as malignant brain cancer, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and bipolar disorder. Despite proven clinical efficacy and relative affordability compared to anti-seizure medications, large regions of the world still do not and cannot broadly offer KD therapies to eligible patients. Centers often have inadequate resources, as well as a lack of appropriately trained physicians and/or dietitians. Furthermore, the latest research findings may not be well disseminated, and a lack of standardized protocols and management strategies present additional barriers. Without adequate support or proper education, patients may not consider this treatment due to its traditional restrictiveness and myths surrounding its use. Regular regional and international meetings are needed where scientists, physicians, dietitians, nurses, social workers and trainees at all levels can meet and discuss and share protocols, research innovations, clinical experience and establish new collaborations in the growing KD field. The 8th Global Symposium on Ketogenic Therapies (to be held September 17-21, 2023 in San Diego, California) is the latest in a successful and evolving biennial conference series first launched in 2008 with support from a NIH R13 conference grant. There has been an enduring collaborative spirit with a common purpose that has now matured into a new professional society called the International Neurological Ketogenic Society or INKS. The 8th Global Symposium represents another leap forward: the focus remains on promoting collaborative interactions among clinical and basic scientists and trainees and disseminating the latest research to the community and beyond, and a strong emphasis will be placed on standardizing and enhancing international dissemination and implementation – all of this in the spirit of equity, diversity and inclusion. Moreover, this will be the first congress in the biennial series organized in conjunction with two aligned organizations, the Glucose Transporter Deficiency 1 (GLUT1) Foundation and the International Society of Neurogastronomy (ISN). The KD is the treatment of choice for the GLUT1 deficiency syndrome, and ISN's focus on the science and practice of flavor perception represents an often-neglected aspect of diet and nutrition that is central to compliance and success of dietary treatments. These symposia will remain the definitive venue for progress in and advocacy for metabolism-based therapies for neurological disorders.