The need to discover promising, safe, effective but less expensive treatment for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia builds up as its global cost continues to increase. Various studies suggested the use of nutritional approach. Recently, VCO was reported as potential preventive and treatment measure. However, studies supporting and explaining this claim is insufficient.
A word of caution from Wikipedia-
Many health organizations advise against the consumption of coconut oil due to its high levels of saturated fat, including the United States Food and Drug Administration,[2] World Health Organization,[3] International College of Nutrition,[4] the United States Department of Health and Human Services,[5] American Dietetic Association,[6] American Heart Association,[7] British National Health Service,[8] and Dietitians of Canada.[9]
Coconut oil contains a large proportion of lauric acid, a saturated fat that raises total blood cholesterol levels by increasing both the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.[31] Although this may create a more favorable total blood cholesterol profile, this does not exclude the possibility that persistent consumption of coconut oil may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease through other mechanisms, particularly via the marked increase on blood cholesterol by lauric acid.[31] Because the majority of saturated fat in coconut oil is lauric acid,[31] coconut oil may be preferred over partially hydrogenated vegetable oil when solid fats are used in the diet.[32]
Br J Nutr. 2015 May 22:1-14. [Epub ahead of print]
The role of dietary coconut for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease: potential mechanisms of action.
Fernando WM et al
Coconut, Cocos nucifera L., is a tree that is cultivated to provide a large number of products, although it is mainly grown for its nutritional and medicinal values. Coconut oil, derived from the coconut fruit, has been recognised historically as containing high levels of saturated fat; however, closer scrutiny suggests that coconut should be regarded more favourably. Unlike most other dietary fats that are high in long-chain fatty acids, coconut oil comprises medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). MCFA are unique in that they are easily absorbed and metabolised by the liver, and can be converted to ketones. Ketone bodies are an important alternative energy source in the brain, and may be beneficial to people developing or already with memory impairment, as in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Coconut is classified as a highly nutritious 'functional food'. It is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals; however, notably, evidence is mounting to support the concept that coconut may be beneficial in the treatment of obesity, dyslipidaemia, elevated LDL, insulin resistance and hypertension - these are the risk factors for CVD and type 2 diabetes, and also for AD. In addition, phenolic compounds and hormones (cytokinins) found in coconut may assist in preventing the aggregation of amyloid-β peptide, potentially inhibiting a key step in the pathogenesis of AD. The purpose of the present review was to explore the literature related to coconut, outlining the known mechanistic physiology, and to discuss the potential role of coconut supplementation as a therapeutic option in the prevention and management of AD.
Jeffrey, there is NO known cause of Alzheimer's Disease [AD]. Therefore, there is no preventive. We cannot develop preventive strategies until we find the cause of AD. That is why all of the "claims" for cures and prevention are speculative. Jan Vinita White, PhD, gerontologist
In a rat model, coconut oil used to simulate a diet high in saturated fat was found to impair working memory and decrease complexity of hippocampal neural network. Therefore, it does not look promising for any kind of preventive or treatment for AD.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670571/
My dear Xeno: I'm so sorry, but the study you cite is related to HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL, which is the solid form of coconut oil, not to VIRGIN coconut oil which is the liquid form. BIG DIFFERENCE, since all hydrogenated oils are very toxic. The healthy effects of coconut oil are linked to virgin coconut oil. Hydrogenization is an industrial process to make oil solid and so more "comfortable" and easy to handle on the table, but making it very toxic.
Hi Jeffrey Domingo and all here in the forum addressing this question. I am a gerontologist and aging expert. Scientists have not found a CAUSE of Alzheimer's Disease. Therefore, we have no preventive or cure for it. Please don't go down the coconut oil trail as a curative or preventive.
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