Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Will Coconut Oil Stop Dementia?

Q. Both of my parents have dementia. I just read that coconut oil has helped some people reverse dementia. What are your thoughts on this?

I’m considering an experiment with it on my mom. I’d measure any changes in her cognitive condition by doing regular Mini-Mental State Exams (MMSE). Is there any harm in it?

A. There is a video circulating on the web that appears to demonstrate a benefit of coconut oil against Alzheimer’s disease. Not surprisingly, there is tremendous interest in anything that might help slow the progression of this devastating disease.

We consulted Alzheimer’s disease expert Murali Doraiswamy, MD, about this possibility. He pointed out that the brain has difficulty utilizing glucose for energy starting early in Alzheimer’s disease. Coconut oil is metabolized into ketones by the liver and may be used as an alternate fuel by the brain. You can listen to his interview by streaming it online.

One pilot trial of a coconut oil product suggested some benefit, but long-term improvement has not been established. Dr. Doraiswamy noted that coconut oil is widely used as a food in many parts of the world, but there is concern that high doses might adversely affect blood lipids.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
5- 2 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.