Hope for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, memory loss, and aging
By Mary Newport, MD, sharing research and real-life experiences using ketones for brain health.
A Welcome Message from Dr. Mary Newport (Video message)
I created this website in 2008 to share what I learned while caring for my husband, Steve, and to offer hope to others affected by Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Here, you’ll find information and research on how coconut oil, MCT oil, and ketone therapies can nourish the brain and support cognitive health.
Coconut Oil, Ketones, & Brain Health
Our cells need fuel to work properly, and when we eat a typical high-carb diet, glucose is the brain’s main source of energy. But in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even with aging, some parts of the brain can’t use glucose as well as they should. The good news? These areas can still use ketones — an alternative fuel — to stay active. Studies show that ketones not only help provide energy but may also reduce inflammation in the brain.
Coconut oil and MCT oil are easy additions to your diet that may help keep your brain sharp and energized. Medium-chain triglycerides convert to ketones that can fuel the brain in place of glucose. MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil and can push ketone levels higher.
Ketone esters and ketones salts have been available since 2016 and can rapidly and dramatically increase ketone levels, though they are more expensive.
MCTs and coconut oil improve memory and cognition
None of the currently FDA-approved drugs for Alzheimer’s can claim that they improve memory or cognition. Based on their studies, they can only claim to temporarily slow down cognitive decline. And
However, at least 20 studies of MCT oil, including three studies using coconut oil have reported improvements in memory, cognition, and other symptoms in elderly people and people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.
Hundreds have reported positive results with coconut oil and MCT oil for Alzheimer’s, dementia, & memory issues
Improvements in 288 people taking coconut or MCT oil. Fig. 2 from Newport, Medical Research Archives, 2024.
Since 2008, I have collected hundreds of emails from people or their caregivers about their response to taking coconut oil, MCT oil, and ketone supplements. These include people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, other types of dementia, and other memory or neurological problems.
In 2023, I analyzed the improvements people reported and presented the results on a poster at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Amsterdam. Then, I published my analysis of 288 reports showing that nearly 90% reported improvement. These included memory & cognition, speech, social interaction, behavior, mood, and physical symptoms. Many people were able to resume self-care and enjoy their hobbies again.
Talk to your doctor
I strongly urge you to consult with your physician before undertaking a ketogenic diet or using ketone supplements. If you or your loved one is suffering from a chronic or progressive condition, this may be worth considering. What do you have to lose?
All the Best to You and Your Loved Ones,
Dr. Mary Newport
What coconut oil and ketones did for my husband Steve with Alzheimer’s
When my husband, Steve, was slipping into the late stages of early-onset Alzheimer’s — between stages 5 and 6 out of 7 — I was desperate to find anything that might help. Then, I learned that coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, which the body converts to ketones, a natural alternative fuel for the brain.
After Steve began taking coconut oil — and later MCT oil — we saw changes within days that we hadn’t thought possible.
“It was like a light switch came on in my head,” Steve said the day he started coconut oil.
Steve became more alert and talkative, his sense of humor returned, and the blankness in his face disappeared. He could finish sentences again, recognize relatives, and his hand and facial tremors resolved.
Within weeks and months, Steve could once again help around the house — mowing the lawn, completing projects, and even volunteering at the hospital where I worked. His gait improved, and he could tie his shoes again. After three months, his visual disturbance cleared up, and he could read again. And by 9 months he could remember what he’d read hours later.
Steve was trying out for a clinical trial and drew the clock on the left the day before he started taking coconut oil. His clock drawing improved remarkably 14 days later and was even tidier by 37 days after starting the coconut oil.
A Ketone Ester Pilot Study
Two years later, after a serious setback in 2010, Steve was the first person to receive a ketone ester developed by Dr. Richard L. Veech in an NIH pilot study. The next day, he was able to shower, shave, and dress again without my assistance, and within weeks resumed helping with the yard and housework. Steve said that he felt “good”, had “more energy”, was “happier” and he found it “easier to do things”, which I observed as well.
Coconut oil, MCT oil, and Dr. Veech’s ketone ester (now on the market) gave us nearly four years that were better than the year before Steve started taking coconut oil.
December 2008, Steve & Mary Newport 7 months after starting coconut oil
Steve Newport lost his life to Alzheimer’s on January 2, 2016, at just 65 years old. He chose to donate his brain to the Florida Brain Bank, a research study for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We learned that he suffered from both Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia. This gave us great closure, and I encourage others to do the same.
What do you have to lose?
The outcome of Steve’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of how devastating this disease can be. But it’s also a call to action — because for those at risk or in the early stages, there is still hope. With continued research, awareness, and support, families facing Alzheimer’s today may have a very different outcome. Together, we can change the future of this disease.
Original Article by Dr. Newport (2008) – What If There Was a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease? (English) (Spanish)
Dr. Mary Newport’s Books on Coconut Oil, MCT Oil, & Ketones for Alzheimer’s & Brain Health
Steve’s improvement with ketones, the science, & what to do
Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones (3rd Edition, 2023)
by Mary T. Newport, MD, Turner Publishing, 2023
This third edition shares the inspiring story of Steve Newport’s improvement with ketone therapies for early-onset Alzheimer’s. The book also discusses the latest research on how coconut oil, MCTs, and ketogenic strategies may support brain health and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other disorders. BUY NOW
Healthy aging through low-carb diet, ketones, and other lifestyle changes
Clearly Keto for Healthy Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention
by Mary T Newport MD, Turner Publishing, 2022
Did you know that up to 40% of dementia cases may be preventable through healthier eating and lifestyle choices? Clearly Keto explores how a low-carb, whole-food Mediterranean-style ketogenic diet with coconut and MCT oils may help slow memory loss and Alzheimer’s symptoms. The book explains how ketone esters and salts can push ketone levels higher. With step-by-step guidance, it also covers blood sugar control, sleep, exercise, and other key strategies for healthy aging and Alzheimer’s prevention. Finally, the book explains what goes wrong in the aging brain and how ketones could make a difference. Video: Why I Wrote Clearly Keto BUY BOOK NOW
Ketone research & ketogenic therapy how-to’s for Alzheimer’s, cancer, epilepsy & other disorders
The Complete Book of Ketones: A Practical Guide to Ketogenic Diets and Ketone Supplements
by Mary T Newport, MD, Turner Publishing, 2019
Discover how ketones fuel the brain and may improve cognitive function. This book traces the history of the ketogenic diet and includes interviews and insights with leading researchers, clinicians, and dietitians. Meet individuals with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s who’ve seen lasting benefits. Learn practical strategies for using coconut oil, MCT oils, ketone esters, and low-carb diets. Includes step-by-step guidance for all ages, plus tips for monitoring ketones and avoiding common pitfalls. BUY NOW
Combine coconut and MCT oil with a reasonable low-carb diet
The Coconut Oil and Low Carb Solution for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Other Diseases
by Mary T. Newport, M.D, Turner Publishing, 2015
Learn how coconut oil and MCTs can boost ketone levels to fuel and protect the brain. This practical guide explains how diet impacts cognitive health, why sugar and diabetes raise dementia risk. Making simple changes — like reducing carbs and adding healthy fats — can support memory and aging. Includes easy recipes and real-life testimonials. BUY NOW