Dementia refers to decreased cerebral functioning to an extent that interferes with normal functioning and relationships. It usually refers to people who have lost at least two major cognitive functions such as language, memory or reasoning. It can also refer to emotional and behavioral changes. There are many causes of dementia and the prognosis for recovery is poor. Nonetheless, reports are emerging where it is claimed that using coconut oil for dementia is having startling results.
Glucose is the brain’s main source of energy, and if for any reason the brain cells are unable to utilize this energy they may die, and this will inevitably lead to reduced brain function.
The brain is apparently also able to use ketones as an alternate source or energy. Ketones are fats that the body produces when we consume medium chain triglycerides, or MCT. MCT have known nutritional benefits and are used for patients who are being fed intravenously and MCT, derived from coconut oil, have also been added to baby formula.
The theory is that the ketones, produced from metabolizing MCT, nourish the brain cells and halts the progression of dementia whihc is why using coconut oil for dementia may have very positive results. In fact, some claim that the effects of a disease such as Alzheimer’s can even be reversed by the use of MCT and ketones.
Coconut oil was long considered to be bad for the health because it has high saturated fat content. However, it is now known that the fat it contains is different and in fact has health-promoting qualities the fats in coconut oil are almost exclusively MCT, as opposed to the long-chain fatty acids that we find in other foods and which are thought to be bad for the health.
It is interesting to note that cultures that regularly consume coconuts seldom develop afflictions such as Alzheimer’s.
Before embarking of a MCT regimen, it would be wise to first consult with your GP, as suddenly ingesting increased quantities of saturated fats can have side effects. However, using coconut oil for dementia is a natural and comparatively inexpensive treatment. And best of all, it used intelligently, it can do no harm.
