Coconut oil is known for its nutritional qualities, with some claiming that it might even help reverse Alzheimer’s.
The use of coconut oil, according to some, may help treat or even reverse Alzheimer’s. These assertions stem from the idea that brain cells in Alzheimer’s patients cannot effectively metabolize glucose for energy production and consequently die. The proponents of this theory claim that coconut oil may serve as an alternative energy source for the brain in this situation. However, there is currently insufficient experimental evidence to back up these claims.
Researchers conducted a clinical trial in the US to assess coconut oil’s effectiveness in treating individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s [1]. However, it was terminated in 2017 because of low enrollment. As a result, it was unclear to the researchers whether coconut oil was helpful for those who had dementia.
What is the theory behind coconut oil and Alzheimer’s treatment?
Researchers speculate that brain cells in dementia patients’ brains have difficulty turning glucose into energy, giving birth to the hypothesis that coconut oil could help.
There is compelling evidence between diabetes, a condition characterized by resistance to or decreased production of insulin (the primary hormone needed for converting glucose to energy), and dementia. Localized insulin resistance in brain cells, which leads to synaptic failure and subsequent cognitive impairment, is associated with the onset of dementia.
According to the hypothesis, dementia patients lack glucose transport to the brain’s neurons. Brain imaging scans that indicate noticeably decreased glucose uptake in the neuronal regions affected by Alzheimer’s testify to this.
This idea revolves around a class of chemicals called ketones. The damage caused by Alzheimer’s makes it difficult for the brain to utilize glucose, its chief energy source. The brain naturally uses certain ketone bodies as an energy source when glucose is limited (such as during fasting, intense activity, and in infants). Ketones, which form when coconut oil and similar substances break down, may provide the brain cells with a new energy source and lessen the harm caused by Alzheimer’s.
To increase the brain’s utilization of ketones rather than glucose as an energy source, researchers have proposed that a diet low in carbohydrates and sweets and high in fat from coconut oil could improve cognition in dementia.
Ketogenic Diet & Cholesterol Levels
Unless a person consumes an exceptionally low-carbohydrate diet, the body rarely generates many ketones. By drastically limiting carbs and replacing them with high-fat diets, the “keto” diet forces the body to use fat as its primary energy source.
Coconut oil prevents the body from using carbohydrates as its chief energy source, allowing a slightly higher intake of carbohydrates. The metabolic change that forces the body to digest fats.
Because the body prefers glucose to fats for metabolism, a ketogenic diet must be strictly restrictive. It implies that consuming coconut oil will not provide your brain cells with a substitute energy source. A few studies have also connected the ketogenic diet to high levels of “bad” cholesterol in some individuals, raising their risk for dementia, heart disease, and stroke [2].
Additionally, coconut oil can cause cholesterol levels to rise due to its high saturated fat content. As a result, the World Health Organization suggests against consuming a lot of oil.
Is Coconut Oil genuinely helpful against Alzheimer’s?
Unfortunately, no reliable scientific evidence is available to support these claims. We don’t know if coconut oil helps treat Alzheimer’s because there aren’t enough thorough, rigorous studies. We cannot say whether coconut oil truly benefits persons with Alzheimer’s due to a lack of large-scale trials.
Should You Try Coconut Oil?
It is essential to remember that scientific research hasn’t yet looked into or confirmed anecdotal evidence of coconut oil’s benefits for people with Alzheimer’s. Because of this, not many medical specialists recommend coconut oil as a possible therapy for people with cognitive impairment.
Caregivers should not disregard coconut oil out of hand just because there is no medical backing for it. Nevertheless, just as the advantages of coconut oil are not confirmed, scientists have not ruled out potential hazards or side effects from utilizing it in foods or as an additional therapy for Alzheimer’s.
Proponents of the hypothesis often advise consuming three to five tablespoons of coconut oil daily to prevent the deterioration of Alzheimer’s symptoms. However, it is critical to begin slowly at first. When consuming coconut oil for the first time, some people may get highly bloated and have diarrhea. Try adding several teaspoons to yogurt, porridge, or even a smoothie. You can substitute butter or vegetable oil with coconut when sautéing vegetables or meats, notably in stir-fries and curry meals.
Consider speaking with your doctor about complementary therapies.
Remember that coconut oil is not an FDA-approved cure for any ailment. Additionally, the FDA cautions against the intake of excessive quantities of saturated fats, such as coconut oil. Before utilizing coconut oil as an alternative or supplementary therapy for Alzheimer’s, it is best to discuss your loved one’s condition with their physician, especially if they have a history of cardiac issues. While a doctor may not be able to recommend the oil as a therapy, you should always notify them of any substantial treatment or dietary plan modifications.
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
