Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s: Miracle Cure or Myth?
Anne-Marie Botek
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NancyH, a member of AgingCare’s Caregiver Forum, wants to know, “ Does coconut oil help people who have Alzheimer’s disease?”
It’s a question that, as it turns out, is surprisingly difficult to answer. But could it help?
“Absolutely it could,” says Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, member of the medical advisory board of the non-profit Nutritional Magnesium Association. According to Dr. Dean, the potential health benefits of coconut oil have been celebrated since ancient times by different cultures around the world. It’s been used as a natural anti-fungal treatment, a hair strengthener and a skin softener.
Coconut oil may even be beneficial for people suffering from other incurable conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Dr. Dean first witnessed the beneficial effects of coconut oil while working with individuals with HIV and AIDS. “We started hearing stories about people with HIV who took coconut oil and felt better. As the testimonials started growing, all of us began to realize that there must be something to it.”
But, to understand how coconut oil could help someone with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one must first examine the connection that exists between blood sugar, the human brain and diabetes.
The Link Between Diabetes and DementiaCellular activity in the body, including the brain, is fueled by a type of sugar known as glucose. Brain scans of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease indicate that, as the disease progresses, certain areas of the brain begin to have trouble metabolizing sugar. This issue is similar to the problem that diabetics have when their bodies can no longer produce or utilize the insulin necessary to ferry glucose into their cells.
The results of an increasing number of scientific studies have begun to highlight the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The link has become so strong that some medical professionals have even gone so far as to dub Alzheimer’s disease “Type III diabetes.”
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), diabetics who don’t keep their blood sugar levels in check can experience a certain amount of cognitive impairment. Japanese researchers discovered that people with diabetes have an overall increased risk of developing dementia, regardless of whether their blood glucose levels are well managed or not. Interestingly, scientists from the University of Washington School of Medicine have found that people with mild Alzheimer’s disease experience a minor memory boost after receiving insulin.
Coconut Oil, Ketones and Alzheimer’s DiseaseWhat does all of this have to do with coconut oil helping people with Alzheimer’s disease? Advocates believe that coconut oil provides an alternative source of “fuel” for brain cells. As the oil is digested, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) break down to form ketones, which are one of the few things that can be used to power brain cells when glucose isn’t available or cannot be absorbed efficiently (as is the case in people with AD). Providing an additional energy source supposedly improves the brain’s ability to function correctly.
The human body doesn’t typically produce many ketones on its own, unless a person is following a diet that is extremely low in carbohydrates. However, consuming coconut oil can create a temporary state of hyperketonemia where the number of ketone bodies in the blood stream is elevated.
The Stigma Against Saturated Fat
The steady increase in aging Americans over the coming decades threatens to cripple an already dysfunctional health care system. Researchers and public officials are calling for advancements in dementia care, and every major drug company is invested in developing curative and/or preventative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. So, why does it seem like no one is talking about coconut oil as a potential solution?
Dr. Dean feels that many people are hesitant to give coconut oil serious consideration because it is high in saturated fat. Coconut oil is often lumped into the same category as artery-clogging foods, such as butter, beef, lard and full fat dairy products. Saturated fatty acids have been tied to elevated cholesterol and heart disease, but Dr. Dean maintains that just because something contains saturated fat doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “bad” for you. “All of these traditional foods and oils have benefits,” she says. The body and the brain, need a variety of oils and fats to function properly.
For example, each neuron (nerve cell) in the human brain has a fatty outer coating called a myelin sheath that insulates each cell and enables the efficient transmission of electrical messages. In healthy people, this insulating layer is constantly being repaired and replaced as necessary, and diet plays a key role in supplying the body with the right materials needed to do so. Dr. Dean says that swapping unhealthy trans fats (found in pre-packaged and processed foods) with more wholesome fats like those found in coconut oil will provide better building blocks for brain cells.
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Giving Coconut Oil a Chance
It’s important to keep in mind that anecdotal evidence of coconut oil’s benefits for Alzheimer’s patients has not yet been studied in-depth or confirmed by researchers. Therefore, many doctors don’t mention coconut oil as a possible therapeutic option for people experiencing cognitive impairment.
A lack of physician backing doesn’t mean that caregivers should immediately write off coconut oil. However, in the same way that the advantages of coconut oil have not been verified, scientists have not ruled out any drawbacks or consequences of its use in foods or as a complementary therapy for AD.
Coconut oil comes in liquid, solid and pill forms. Dietitians typically recommend solid varieties because they undergo far less processing. Saturated fats like coconut oil are naturally solid at room temperature, but refining practices can be used to make it maintain a liquid form. Unfortunately, some health benefits are lost in this process. Look for products that are labeled as extra virgin, unrefined and/or cold-pressed, and stay away from those that have been deodorized or bleached using high heat and chemicals.
Proponents typically recommend consuming anywhere from three to five tablespoons of coconut oil per day to prevent the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease from worsening. However, it’s important to start out slowly. Some people experience feelings of extreme fullness and diarrhea when they first begin taking coconut oil. You can stir a few tablespoons into some oatmeal, yogurt or even a smoothie. Replacing vegetable oil or butter with coconut oil when sautéing vegetables or meats is another popular option, especially in stir-fry and curry dishes.
Discuss Alternative Treatments with a DoctorIn the absence of formal clinical trials, it’s hard to say whether anecdotal evidence surrounding the benefits of coconut oil for Alzheimer’s disease is rooted in fact, but Dr. Dean maintains that there’s really very little downside to giving it a chance. “Being a food, coconut oil is very safe and it can be very beneficial,” she explains.
However, it’s important to bear in mind that coconut oil has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for any kind of ailment. The FDA also recommends limiting the intake of saturated fats like coconut oil. It is advisable to discuss using coconut oil as an alternative or complementary therapy for Alzheimer’s disease with a loved one’s doctor first, especially if they have a history of heart issues. A physician may not be able to recommend the oil as a remedy, but you should always keep your loved one’s doctor updated on any major changes in diet and treatment plans.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Diet & Nutrition
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Coconut Oil for Alzheimer’s: Miracle Cure or Myth?
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howard56tDec 2020
I was type 2 diabetic and I use herbs to help with managing my glucose levels.,As a herbs lover, I have learned the benefits of using herbs to help with my diabetes. One of the most beneficial herbs that I use and works great is Worldherbsclinic Diabetes herbs formula. My doctor is still surprised at how well I have been able to reverse my diabetes and High blood pressure. Sugar level normal, blood pressure normal. All thanks to Worldherbsclinic.
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stacey09Feb 2017
My brother David has been dgx with ALS for a little more than a year. He showed signs of it for close to three years and no Doctor was able to figure out what was wrong, until my sister whom he had been living with kept trying to bring him to each doctor ---- finally found a doctor who recognized almost immediately that he had ALS. He has been taking medication that was made available to him only through a medical grant funding from those who have donated to the continuing research for a possible cure. He has slowed down in the progression, but without side affects. My hopes and prayers are that, you can also contact the Doctor for possible cure if you have ALS or any relative suffering for same disease.
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LilacalaniDec 2015
Probably the most well known is the case of Dr. Mary Newport’s (MD) treatment of her husband. You can watch her discussing this on YouTube
The “magic” is not just in coconut oil. The magic is in natural, high-quality dietary fats. Granted, the research is new. But it seems to be quite promising. More importantly, it is based on genuine scientific research. This is in contrast to medical proclamations based on unscientific consensus, which led to our current high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
There are some technical videos available on YouTube discussing brain health and ketones/the ketogenic diet. Researchers are finding out that all natural fats are healthy, e.g., butter, lard, fatty meats. These fats don’t make us fat. (I know, it seems odd. Dietary fat does not make us fat.) It’s excess dietary carbohydrates (sugars and starches) that make us fat. The body converts these sugars and starches into glucose, which the body stores as fat. Excess glucose wreaks havoc with our blood sugar, leads to cardiovascular problems, and also leads to “diabetes of the brain,” which is what Alzheimer’s is. Alzheimer’s is associated with impaired glucose metabolism in the brain.
The brain is not naturally glucose dependent. A high glucose diet may make it seem that way, but in actuality, ketones produced from fat are a more efficient source of fuel for the brain, as well as the overall body. (Mother’s milk is high in ketones. Babies’ brains and bodies do quite well on mother’s milk.) The body can produce carbohydrates out of protein. Hence, dietary carbohydrates are not essential for our health.
For the research, you might want to check out YouTube videos with Drs. Stephen Phinney, Jeff Voleck, Peter Attia, and Dominic d’Agostino. These videos discuss the various benefits of fueling the brain and body on ketones. They tend to be somewhat technical, but they are worth watching. One excellent video I can think of off-hand is “Dominic d’Agostino: Metabolic Therapies: Therapeutic Implications and Practical Application” .
As a side note, becoming keto adapted can take time and may be a challenge for many of us. But most of us can benefit by switching to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.
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believeinacure1Dec 2015
I heard that their are actual substantiated cases that coconut oil, (Organic) has worked in healing Alzheimers patients. Is this true? Have you heard of any of these cases?
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LilacalaniDec 2014
Most medical doctors get very little training in nutrition. We each have to do our own research and make the best decisions we can. For those who read or watched Dr. Newport’s information, they may recall how her husband made tremendous improvement shortly after taking coconut oil. Those years of an improved mind would seem to justify the worth of coconut oil, even if the results did not last later on. As to why the results did not last, there must be many questions. Could it be because he had too many carbohydrates, and his carb ratio should have been much lower than his fat ratio? Sometimes proportion is more important than dosage. Also, was he taking meds, such as statins, that eroded his brain? Or other meds with harmful side effects? We spend billions of dollars for Mickey-Mouse research. We need to spend more effort toward nutritional answers. It is no secret that a proper diet can make us physically and mentally strong. A bad diet does just the opposite.
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NevadaSmithAug 2014
My father got to the point that he did not know who Mom was. After giving him coconut oil three times a day he got a bit better to the point that he never had a problem knowing who Mom was again.
Saturated fat in it's natural state is not bad for you and will not clog your arteries but you may not be able to convince your doctor of that fact. (Just make sure that if you use lard, it is not hydrogenated.)
My wife and I were vegans for two years and we had good lipid profiles then we went low carb and started eating all the saturated animal fat we wanted and guess what. Both our lipid profiles improved. Triglycerides went down. LDL stayed about the same but HDL went up. We have been lied to for over 50 years. Refined vegetable oils cause more health problems than any natural saturated fats do. Also hydrogenated fats such as in unnatural peanut butter also are problematic. Start doing your own research and you will learn the facts. The real problem is refined sugar and flour products which will raise your triglycerides and cause weight gain. As long as you avoid those then saturated fat can be your friend.
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NevadaSmithAug 2014
Those other natural saturated fats are not bad for you either (unless they are hydrogenated).
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marymemberJun 2014
Great thoughts..My husband has Alzheimers and last week was suffering from shortness of breath. it turned out he had to have a stent placed in an artery as there was blockage in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Since this was a significant blockage, I think perhaps coconut oil is not a good option, although I have it on hand..(it can be bought at Walmart in pill form as well..the virgin coconut oil) I was giving him some from time to time, but not real regular... So I will talk to his heart doctor when we go there this week for an after stint procedure..marymember
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nhmom36Jun 2014
Since coconut oil and Vit. D have bene added to my husband's diet his mental acuity has improved. Not dramatically, but enough to make it worth the effort and cost (coconut oil is not cheap). He now remembers things that happened yesterday or upcoming appointments, where before he had no clue. Try it.
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marymemberJun 2014
Well, I hear different opinions....but I am giving my husband coconut oil capsules...found at Walmart...easier than scooping out the coconut oil from the can...needs to be virgin coconut oil......marymember
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wamnanealzJun 2014
I think all those things only help very early on. Once they are getting bad you don't see any difference at all. But I have heard good things if you take it early on!
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marymemberJun 2014
sounds like good advice to discuss coconut oil with a heart doctor....my husband has been having shortness of breath....had a scan yesterday...the shortness of breath only occurs when he does even a small amount of physical work...otherwise he is okay...sounds like I need to stop the coconut oil..marymember
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geoffheadMay 2014
The article itself is excellent.
If I can ask a question, what are the Health authorities doing to test out, what appears at this point in time, to only be a theory???
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pamstegmaMay 2014
Maybe I should eat a Mounds candy bar. Coconut covered with dark chocolate. It certainly can't hurt.
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trying2helpMay 2014
I'm anxious to try coconut oil on my 90 year old mother who was diagnosed with lewy body dementia. However, she had a thyroidectomy almost 50 years ago, and has to take levothyroxine, daily. I read that it may not be safe to combine coconut oil with a thyroid replacement. Does anyone know anything about this?
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wamnanealzNov 2013
I tried the cocoanut oil from the Health food store on my husband,but he is too far gone for it to have an effect. It may be helpful as a preventative and in very early stages of AD.
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anonymous155170May 2013
We give my mom 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day in hot tea. We do it once in the morning and before bed. Mom's neurologist said it was ok and it might help. My mom has stage 4 Alzheimer's.
Well we went 4 days without giving her the coconut oil and the change was so drastic we now take every measure to make sure she get it everyday now.
So we are firm believer that it does help the mood and the mind with Alzheimer's. We have seen it work and we are not stopping until her doctor says to.
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lakelapOtterApr 2013
I believe. I've witnessed. And thankfully, since Mom's always been a chocolate lover, my brother and my coconut oil (organic) chocolates has oftentimes led to our Mom's lucidity, rationality, restored memories, and calm.
And although not a sure remedy, it's worth the effort. Thanks for sharing and much love all.
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GranonthegoApr 2013
Thank you for sharing that encouraging news.
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laurabmundyApr 2013
I heard about coconut oil a couple of years ago. My mother is in last stages of Alzheimer's. I didn't hold much hope for results. I was AMAZED at the difference. Did it cure her? No. However, within a matter of days she went from NEVER knowing who I was, to knowing who I was for at least a few minutes each day. She is no longer taking the coconut oil because she is to the point where she is almost completely bedridden. Coconut oil returned my mother to me for a few minutes each day. You cannot put a price tag on that!
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DirkApr 2013
Anecdotal evidence shows some success with coconut oil in
improving cognitive performance in some people with dementia.
This is likely because coconut oil produces ketones in the blood,
and ketones provide an alternative source of fuel for the brain.
The medical food Axona, also produces ketones in the blood and
helps some patients with dementia, specifically those that do
not have the APOE4 gene. My wife with dementia does not have
the APOE4 gene and has found modest improvement using a
small amount of coconut oil.
For those caring for someone with dementia even a small
improvement is great news. It is nonsense to say a method
should not be tried until full scale tests have been made.
The patient is already dying! Would a medical professional
refuse to help their loved one with something of anecdotal
promise but not fully evaluated? I think not.
We also need to remember that everybody is unique. What
works for most may not work for one, and vice versa. This is
important when interpreting results of double-blind trials or
anecdotal evidence.
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