Finally, an Answer Is Coming on Coconut Oil and Dementia
Updated October 06, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
A while back, I wrote an article on coconut oil and addressed its possible use for those who have dementia. This was in response to multiple people who requested accurate information on the question of if coconut oil could or should be used for their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. Their questions included if it was helpful and if it was safe.
- Here's that article: Coconut Oil: Is It Effective in Treating Dementia?
The interest in coconut oil was heightened after a physician reported that her husband's cognition had significantly improved after he began to take it as a supplement. (He had been diagnosed with early onset dementia.) There have been a few other reports of cognitive improvements in people who have dementia and taken coconut oil. However, there is a lack of any scientific research in this area. Fortunately, that is about to change.
The University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute is currently recruiting participants for a trial of coconut oil in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The study will consist of approximately 65 individuals and is slated to last approximately eight months. Half of the participants will receive the coconut oil for the first three months and a placebo for the second three months, and then they will switch.
This study is a double blind experiment, meaning that neither the researchers nor the participants know which person is receiving the placebo versus the coconut oil.
This way, research bias- when a researcher might interact with or view someone differently because they expect the participant to improve or stay the same based on whether they are receiving the placebo or the experimental treatment- is eliminated.
The expected end date of the research study is September 2015. I'm looking forward to the results.
Suggested Reading
While we wait for the results of that study, what can we do? Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of dementia and slow it down if it's already been diagnosed.
10 Ways to Improve Your Brain Health
Complimentary and Alternative Therapies for Dementia
11 Foods to Eat to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer's
Sources:
University of South Florida Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute. 2013. Coconut Oil Clinical Trial in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. http://health.usf.edu/NR/rdonlyres/869C1700-2471-4BFE-A488-1639B26792CF/45683/CoconutOilStudyFlyer62013.pdf
ClinicalTrials.gov. Study to evaluate coconut oil for Alzheimer's disease. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01883648
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