Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a decreased ability by the brain to use glucose for fuel. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest of daily tasks.
Alzheimer’s disease in adults is known to be the most common cause of dementia. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest of daily tasks. Older adults with a history of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Age related changes in the brain affect neurons by causing shrinking of certain parts of the brain, inflammation, production of unstable molecules called free radicals, causing Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies by National Journal of Physiology Pharmacy and Pharmacology and International Journal of School and Cognitive Physiology have shown a positive association between coconut oil consumption and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown positive improvements in cognition, cognitive performance, orientation and semantic memory in individuals after intervention with virgin coconut oil. Studies conducted in humans and animals have shown that when 20 gms of VCO/MCT oil was given daily, significant improvement was seen in cognitive performance and memory in people with age-related neuronal disorders.
Medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are largely present in coconut oil are easily absorbed and metabolized by the liver and can be converted to ketones, an alternative fuel to glucose. The brain’s main fuel is glucose and the problem for aging brain is its deteriorating ability to use glucose available in the blood. Unlike other organs, brain uses ketones as back-up for glucose. MCFAs travel through the entrance of the venous system into the liver and are more readily available for oxidation to ketones to provide rapid source of energy. This provides an alternative fuel to compromised neurons.
Summary: Ketones are a natural way to fuel the brain when it can no longer use glucose. Researchers believe additional ketones could help improve symptoms in Alzheimer’s sufferers. Ketones are produced from medium chain triglycerides, of which coconut oil has the highest percentage of any food.
References:
United Coconut Association of the Philippines, Inc: Coconut Oil Consumption Can Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.ucap.org.ph/news-manager/2019/05/coconut-oil-consumption-can-help-prevent-alzheimer-s-disease/
Leech, J. (2019). Diet v.s. Diseases science-based independent: Can Coconut Oil Treat Alzheimer’s Disease? An Honest Look At The Evidence. Retrieved from https://www.dietvsdisease.org/coconut-oil-alzheimers-disease/