Does Coconut Oil Benefit Older Adults with Alzheimer’s?

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Coconut Oil's Effect on Elders with Alzheimer's in Philadelphia, PA

People are always looking for natural treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, and coconut oil has become one of the most popular options. While scientists have not yet proven the efficacy of coconut oil as an Alzheimer’s treatment method, some believe it may help seniors living with the condition.

The Argument for Coconut Oil

The coconut oil treatment initially got attention thanks to the book Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones by Dr. Mary T. Newport. The book argues that medium-chain fatty acids can be an alternative fuel source for seniors with Alzheimer’s. In the book, Dr. Newport suggests that her husband, who has dementia, showed signs of improvement after using coconut oil consistently.

Using coconut oil is one of the many ways seniors can manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Professional caregivers can also help older adults slow cognitive decline and enjoy a high quality of life. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated home care. Philadelphia Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. From the mentally stimulating activities in our Cognitive Therapeutics Method to our friendly Care Managers who are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, we offer a wide array of high-quality at-home care services.  

The Impact of Coconut Oil on the Brain and Body

Organic, cold pressed coconut oil is a healthy addition to your loved one’s diet because it doesn’t contain trans fats and it boosts cardiovascular health. Coconut oil contains several antioxidants that prevent free radical damage throughout the body, including the brain. Consuming coconut oil enhances thyroid function, which boosts energy and promotes healthy insulin usage. Even if coconut oil isn’t a cure to Alzheimer’s disease, it can benefit seniors in several ways when consumed in moderation.

Coconut Oil and Alzheimer’s Disease

Proper insulin regulation is important in maintaining blood sugar levels and providing the brain with a steady source of energy. Some people believe a breakdown in glucose metabolism may be related to Alzheimer’s disease. To reverse the symptoms of improper insulin regulation, it’s important to give the brain a new source of fuel.

According to people who follow the coconut oil diet, ketones are an important source of fuel for the brain. When the body converts fat into energy, it produces ketones. The theory is inspired by a treatment used for children with epilepsy. These children followed a diet that restricted carbohydrates, which convert into glucose, in favor of fats, which convert into ketones. By turning fats into the primary energy source instead of glucose, these children experienced mental benefits. Dr. Newport adjusted this diet for seniors with Alzheimer’s, and she found it had tangible results on her husband.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may need help making healthy lifestyle choices or managing daily household tasks. For families living in Philadelphia, PA, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. 

How to Incorporate Coconut Oil into the Diet

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may face difficulty limiting their carbohydrate intake to metabolize fats. For caregivers willing to test the ketogenic diet, there are many ways to incorporate coconut oil into their loved ones’ meals.

Coconut oil can be used in beverages ranging from smoothies to coffee. The oil can also be used to bake healthy meats like salmon and chicken or as an ingredient in nutrient-rich protein bars. Essentially, coconut oil can be used as a healthy alternative to other types of cooking oil.

Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs help switching to a nutritious diet, managing daily tasks, and slowing cognitive decline. Although it may be challenging to find a reliable, highly rated home care agency, Philadelphia, PA, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, give us a call at (215) 645-4663 today.

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