Alzheimer’s, Dementia, & Ketone Therapy Overview

Supporting Brain Health & Memory

Discover how coconut oil, MCT oil, and ketones could support memory & brain health during the aging process.

Every cell needs fuel to work, and the brain normally runs on glucose. In Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, other dementias, neurological and even psychiatric disorders, brain cells don’t use glucose efficiently. Ketones provide an alternative fuel that the brain can use—even when glucose can’t. Consistent use of ketogenic oils or other ketogenic strategies could slow cognitive decline, improve memory, reduce brain fog. And might even delay, slow down, or prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Coconut oil and MCT oil naturally produce ketones, which the brain and body can use right away for energy. Ketones also help reduce inflammation, a key factor in many brain disorders.

Using MCT or coconut oil, a low-carb ketogenic diet, ketone supplements, fasting, and aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, running) can all raise ketone levels. People who do best often combine several of these approaches.

Studies show that these strategies can support memory, thinking, and other functions in people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and related conditions. Ongoing research is also exploring ketone benefits for diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, and more.

Here is a 9-page reference list of the many studies and reviews of MCT oil & coconut oil for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, mild cognitive impairment, and other memory problems.

For an in-depth discussion of how coconut and MCT oil could help, read Dr. Newport’s 2024 peer-reviewed article on the responses of 288 people with Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments.

You’ll also find on this website trusted resources, Dementia Care Supplies, and Recommended Books to help you on your journey.

Read Dr. Newport’s original 2008 article on coconut oil for Alzheimer’s: What If There Was a Cure for Alzheimer’s and No One Knew? (English)(Spanish)

How much coconut or MCT oil for brain health?

Here’s how to enjoy the brain-health benefits of coconut and MCT oil—with easy, step-by-step tips on choosing products, mixing oils, and adding them to your meals.

Coconut and MCT oil FAQ

Find answers to common questions about coconut and MCT oil—what to buy, how to store and cook with them, the best foods to use them in, how much to give children and pets, tips to avoid weight gain, and how they can benefit your skin, hair, and teeth.

Coconut & MCT Oil for Alzheimer’s & Other Brain Disorders

MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are fats that boost ketone levels into the “mild ketosis” range. Coconut oil is the richest natural source of MCTs. MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil. The MCT called C10 also stimulates mitochondria (where energy is produced) to multiply and has anti-seizure activity.

Lauric acid (50% of coconut oil) has many properties of MCTs, kills many microbes (article on lauric acid) that have been implicated as triggers or accelerants of Alzheimer’s, and potently stimulates ketone production in astrocytes, which are brain cells that nourish neurons. (Studies in cultured astrocytes).

Polyphenols in coconut oil are antioxidants and reduce inflammation; some polyphenols also inhibit formation of plaques or promote myelin repair. Coconut oil does not contain cholesterol but does contain a sterol that naturally reduces cholesterol levels.

MCT oil and diarrhea: Some people experience diarrhea even with small amounts of MCT oil and less often with coconut oil. Taking a pancreatic enzyme at the same time could help.

Why mix coconut and MCT oil? MCT oil results in higher ketone levels than coconut oil, but levels from coconut oil last longer. Mixing the oils allows for a steadier supply of ketones in the blood as well as the added benefits of the lauric acid and polyphenols in virgin coconut oil.

Does coconut oil really increase cholesterol levels?

Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on the Lipid Profile: Beyond Total and LDL Cholesterol by Mary T. Newport, M.D. and Fabian M. Dayrit, PhD., Nutrients, Jan 28, 2025

Summary: We reviewed 984 lipid results from 26 studies of people who used coconut oil between 1985 and 2024. Overall, coconut oil tended to raise ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides, without increasing LDL (‘bad’) or total cholesterol—but individual responses varied widely.   5-Minute Video Summary    Direct link to article

MCT//143 no longer available from Pruvit

Click here for a simple guide for what you can do in place of MCT//143, including an easy recipe and ideas for adding the mixture to foods.

Still have questions? Email ketones08@gmail.com.

Look for MCT and coconut oil products: Ketone, Coconut Oil, and MCT Oil Supplements

Small commissions from Amazon and some other products support this website.

Ketone Esters

Rapidly increase blood ketones & brain energy

The ketone ester (a combination of R-betahydroxybutyrate and R-butanediol) was invented by Richard Veech, MD, PhD at the NIH and studied intensively by Dr. Kieran Clarke at Oxford University. Dr. Newport’s husband Steve was the first person with Alzheimer’s disease to take the ketone ester in a pilot study of one person beginning in 2010 and two years after improving with coconut and MCT oil.

Steve had a dramatic improvement from taking the ketone ester that lasted for twenty more months. See Steve’s story and his clock drawings on the Front Page of this website. Steve’s peer-reviewed case report was published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia journal in 2015.

Steve’s story and the science of ketones are detailed in Dr. Newport’s book Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones.

 

People often ask me if it is worth trying ketone salts and ketone esters in the latest stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This video suggests it could be worth a try.

Jonny Bonilla-Bowman, a nursing student, takes small amounts of the ester for his traumatic brain injury. In May of 2018, Jonny gave his 97-year-old grandma, Virginia Bowman, who was diagnosed with dementia some years earlier, a larger (28-30 ml = 14 to 15 grams betahydroxybutyrate) dose of the ester. The results of the first dose led him to film her on the second and fourth days.

How Do Ketone Esters Work?

Ketone Esters: What, Why, and How? An article by Mary T Newport MD

Ketone esters can be beneficial but people who are elderly or have medical problems should consult with their physician before using. This article discusses precautions for people with blood sugar and blood pressure problems and people using certain supplements.

Videos/Podcasts on What Ketones Do by Mary T Newport MD

Ketone Ester is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA – Click here to read the 28-day study (2019)

More than 2000 doses of the R-3-hydroxybutyl/R-3-hydroxybutyrate Veech ketone ester were given over 28 days to 24 volunteers ages 19 to 70 at large doses of 25 grams three times per day. There were only 15 mild adverse events in 2,016 drinks, including mild nausea, mild headache, mild diarrhea, and mild abdominal discomfort. There were no serious adverse events.

Ketone Ester study in progress: Scientific article on study protocol – Finished 2025, Results due soon

Where To Find Ketone Esters

Note: Recommended doses on package are for endurance athletes – doses that might help symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s may be much smaller (after doctor’s approval suggest starting with 2.5 or 5 gm BHB). Many people report better sleep with just 2-3 gm BHB. Discuss with your doctor!

Small commissions for the products below help support the cost of this website.

KetoneAid KE4

Ketone ester (D-betahydroxybutyrate + D-1,3-butanediol)

Veech/Clarke ester – “Scary Cherry” A little scary 🙂 but improved – Highest peak ketone level per equivalent dose of BHB products – $0.85/gm BHB with trainer bottle subscription. Autoship discount.

3 Bottle Pack – $74.95 = $0.83 per gram BHB BUY NOW

12 Bottle Pack – $354.95 = $0.99 per gram BHB BUY NOW

5-gram “Shots” x 12 – $69.95 = $1.16 per gram BHB BUY NOW

NEW! KenetikPro Ketone Concentrate – Professional Strength

Recommend taking under your doctor’s supervision

10 grams BHB per tablespoon – 8 Tablespoons per bottle

Available in a 3-bottle pack of Strawberry Peach, Blackberry Lemonade, or Pineapple Passion Fruit or one of each for $149 ($134.10 with subscription)

Also available as a 9-bottle pack for $447 ($402.30 with subscription)

Notes: Some people take Kenetik straight with a spoon, while others prefer diluting it with water or sparkling water to taste. For questions, please email ketones08@gmail.com.

Cognitive switch is now “Qitone“. New name and new look!

Qitone Pro-Ketone Flavorless Powder

Look under: “Shop Qitone” – 10% discount Click on the link here

A truly flavorless ketone ester powder. Looks creamy in water, coffee, tea, or you can add to other favorite drinks. Each scoop or packet = 12.5 grams betahydroxybutyrate (BHB). I suggest starting with 1 level tablespoon = about 4 grams BHB once or twice per day, then increase every few days as tolerated.

$99.99 for a 30-serving bag with 12.5 grams in each scoop = $0.40 per gram BHB ($84.99 with subscription!)

$44.99 for 12 packets with 12.5 grams per serving ($34.99 with subscription)

$11.99 for 3 sample servings in packets with 12.5 grams per serving BUY NOW

 

Kenetik Concentrate – Good value and taste

Mixture of D-BHB and R-1,3-Butanediol (Not combined as ester) – 12 gm D-BHB per serving – 4 servings/bottle – Three citrus flavors – Great D-BHB levels – Good Value at $53.14 for 3-pack (12 servings x 12 gm BHB) – $0.37/gm BHB BUY HERE

 

 

Kenetik Ready-to-Drink Carbonated Beverage – 3 flavors

Mixture of D-BHB and R-1,3-Butanediol (Not combined as ester) – 12 gm D-BHB per serving

6-pack with 12 grams/can = $29.94 = $0.83/gm BHB BUY HERE

KetoUp Carbonated Beverage from Pruvit – Many great flavors

Free D-BHB buffered – Root beer, orange, cherry, raspberry & other flavors

6 Cans with 10 grams BHB per serving – $35.50 = $0.59/gm BHB BUY HERE

Search under “Ketones” button

 

Delta H Ketone Health

Veech/Clarke ester – Ketone ester (D-betahydroxybutyrate + D-1,3-butanediol) – 10 gm BHB/bottle

3 Bottle with 10 grams per bottle = $40.00 – $1.33/gm BHB – BUY HERE

Ketone Salts

Significantly increase ketones levels and brain energy

Ketone salts combine betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) with sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Pruvit and Real Ketones are the only companies currently selling all of their ketone salts as D-BHB, but L-BHB has other actions that may be beneficial.

How to Use Ketone Salts

Ketones for brain health or general fitness: Ketone salts are a combination of the ketone betahydroxybutyrate and sodium, potassium, calcium, and/or magnesium, which are minerals we all need in our diet. Most products are sold in powder form that can be diluted with about 10-12 ounces of water per serving. A serving of ketone salts will typically increase blood ketone levels by about 0.5 to 1.5 mM, which varies quite a lot from person-to-person. Taking MCT/coconut oil at the same time, if tolerated, may help sustain a higher level for a couple of hours longer; this may still happen if the oils are taken in food. Pruvit Ketone Salts|Audacious Nutrition Ketone Salts

Ketone Salts Explained by Dr. Newport

Everything you need to know about what ketone salts are and how to use them.

Using Ketone Salts in the Elderly and People with Medical Conditions by Dr. Newport

Ketone salts can be beneficial but people who are elderly or have medical problems should consult with their physician before using. This article discusses precautions for older people and people with blood sugar and blood pressure problems and people using certain supplements.

Combining Ketones Salts with a Low-Carb Diet by Dr. Newport

Ketones salts work especially well to reduce body fat when combined with a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet. This article provides step-by-step instructions.Pruvit Ketone Salts | Audacious Nutrition Ketone Salts

Where to Find Ketone Salts

Small product referral commissions help support the cost of this website and assistance.

Pruvit Ketone Salts

Fan Favorites Variety Pack (20 servings)– $133for 20 packets This is an exciting way to try out ketone salts. 22% discount with monthly “smartship”. Stock up during holiday sales. [Join as a promoter and earn free products and commissions.]

 

 

 

Keto Start from Audacious Nutrition

Raspberry Lemonade – Caffeine, Tropical – No caffeine

10 gm D- & L-BHB per packet

20-pack $55

Learn about D versus L-BHB – BUY HERE

Also look for Keto Spike instant Coffee and Keto Spike Instant Tea, each with 3 grams BHB per serving. Click on package for link to Amazon:

Ketogenic Diet for Alzheimer’s & Other Conditions

Increase Brain Energy & Fight Inflammation

If the Keto Diet Can Put Type 2 Diabetes into Complete Remission, Why Not type 3 diabetes – Alzheimer’s? These two case reports illustrate that this is possible:

Case Report (2019): A man with diabetes and Alzheimer’s improves

68-year old active but morbidly obese man (NOT my husband!!) with type 2 diabetes and mild Alzheimer’s reverses poorly-controlled diabetes to normal, markedly improves on memory testing (from 23 to 29 of 30 points on MoCA test), improves triglycerides and all cholesterol results and loses 15 pounds with 10-week ketogenic diet! The author shared with me that his average daily ketone level was 1.0 mmol/L which is considered “mild nutritional ketosis”. Most people could achieve this by eating less than 50 grams of carbs per day and about 50% or more of daily calories as fat (6.5 tablespoons per day equivalent of fats and oils on an 1800-calorie per day diet). Coconut and MCT oil as part of this fat can help achieve and sustain this level of ketosis. Clinical trials using ketogenic diet to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s are underway in several locations.

In, 2008, my husband Steve was “pre-diabetic” before starting coconut oil and then MCT oil for early onset Alzheimer’s, as we increased over several months to 9 to 11 tablespoons per day divided into four meals/snacks with food and reduced sugars and starchy foods, effectively a ketogenic diet, he continued to improve steadily over the first year and enjoyed almost four years of better quality of life. Did this reverse both pre-type 2 diabetes and type 3 diabetes/Alzheimer’s? See Steve’s Story on the Home page.

Case Report (2019) – A lady with Alzheimer’s and metabolic syndrome improves

71-year old female ApoE4 carrier with mild Alzheimer’s and metabolic syndrome with insulin resistance treated with a ten-week ketogenic diet and had remarkable improvement in fasting blood sugar, insulin, HbA1C, cholesterol and triglyceride profile, and her MoCA test for memory improved from 21 (mild Alzheimer’s) to nearly normal score of 28 of 30 points.

Ketogenic Diet Improves Parkinson’s Symptoms More Than Low-Fat Diet

Dr. Matthew Phillips, a neurologist in New Zealand, and associates report 42% improvement in nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease with a reasonable, healthy-food ketogenic diet compared to healthy-food low-fat diet. Both diets improved motor symptoms as well. Article – Printable Ketogenic Diet for Study & Recipes

How to start a Keto Diet? Start Here!

Simple One Sheet Keto Diet Printable PDF

More Ideas for Keto Diet and Recipes Printable PDF

Help with Keto Diet for Epilepsy, Cancer, and Other Disorders – The Charlie Foundation

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Organizations

Alzheimer’s Association: Website – Facts and Figures Full Report 2019 — Statistics Sheet

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research –Diet: A Practical Guide

National Institutes of Health: “What Is Dementia?” Links to types of dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease International:Reports and Information on Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Dementia Alliance International: By people with dementia for people with dementia.

Dementia Action Alliance – Dementia Discussions every Thursday at 1:00 ET, 12:00 CT, 11:00 MT, 10:00 PT. The Discussion will last one hour. Learn tips from others and share your thoughts as we discuss ways to make life easier for people living with dementia and/or care partners. Link for video chat – https://zoom.us/j/4567882023

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Also Look at Safety and Other Helpful Dementia Care Supplies

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Dr. Mary Newport’s Newest Book! September 19, 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease: What If There Was a Cure? The Story of Ketones, 3rd Edition

The Story of Ketones is the story of:

“¢ My Husband Steve’s Remarkable Reprieve from Alzheimer’s Using Ketogenic Oils
“¢ The Discovery of Ketones As Therapy For Alzheimer’s And Other Diseases
“¢ How To Add Ketogenic Oils And A Low-Carb Diet To Your Lifestyle

BUY NOW

 

Dr. Mary Newport’s Previous Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also on this website:

Coconut, MCT oil, Ketones for Brain Health–Videos/Podcasts – Articles by Dr. Newport – Ketone Research Articles – Ketone Supplements– Books & Keto Monitors– Supplies for Caregivers

 

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