Coconut, MCT Oil, Ketones for Alzheimer’s, Dementia & Other Brain Disorders

This webpage is dedicated to people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, dementia, and other neurological diseases, their families, and caregivers…and for people who want to prevent these tragic diseases.

Caregivers need more energy too!

Scroll down to find information on coconut oil, MCT oil, ketone salts, ketone esters, and organizations that can help. Also See Dementia Care Supplies and Recommended Books.

Coconut Oil & MCT Oil

Why coconut oil for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia?

Increase brain energy & fight inflammation

All cells need fuel to operate, and glucose normally supplies that fuel. But in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many other brain disorders, glucose is not taken up normally into brain cells. Ketones are a natural fuel alternative to glucose for the brain and most other organs, and ketones are taken up normally in the Alzheimer’s brain. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil and MCT oil are converted to ketones regardless of whatever else you eat and are used immediately as fuel.

Ketones are also anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is a key factor in these disorders. Providing ketones through MCT and coconut oil, ketogenic diet, and/or ketone supplements could help. People reporting long-term success combine all of these strategies along with overnight fasting and exercise, which also increase ketone levels.

Studies show that MCT oil, coconut oil, and low-carb ketogenic diets can improve memory, cognition, and/or other symptoms in people with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other brain disorders. Dozens of studies of the ketone ester are currently underway for cognition, type 2 diabetes,

Reference List for studies and reviews.

How much coconut or MCT oil?

To enjoy the benefits of coconut oil for brain health, here are easy step-by-step instructions for how to add coconut and/or MCT oil to your diet, what products to look for, how to mix the oils, and food ideas.

Coconut and MCT oil FAQ

Answers to “frequently asked questions” about coconut and MCT oil such as what to buy, how to store and cook with the oils, in what types of food the oils work well, how much oil to give children and pets, how to avoid gaining weight, and coconut oil benefits for skin, hair, and teeth.

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

How Coconut Oil Could Help Alzheimer’s and 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.

Virgin coconut oil increases HDL cholesterol: Ten of twelve studies of people taking coconut oil for 8 weeks or longer reported a significant increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol; eleven of twelve studies showed no significant increase or a decrease in LDL with coconut oil. (Article for publication in progress). Results for individuals are highly variable, and, therefore, consultation with your physician and monitoring the lipid profile is recommended for people who are worried about their 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.

Coconut Oil & MCT Oil Mixture: MCT//143. Or make your own: Recipe for MCT & Coconut Oil Mixture.

MCT//143 (look under “Support Products”) 1/2 oz. convenience sachets or a 17-ounce bottle (33 servings)

Dr. Newport developed this mixture for her husband Steve and formulated the product called MCT//143 for Pruvit in 2017. MCT//143 contains MCT from coconut oil + virgin coconut oil + phosphatidylcholine which is important to brain cell membranes and formation of acetylcholine, the “memory” neurotransmitter.

Watch video: “What Is MCT//143?”

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

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.

Complete Reference List of studies and reviews: Coconut Oil, MCT Oil, & Ketones – Studies and Reviews

Nominal commissions from Amazon and some other products help support this website.

Ketone Ester

Rapidly increases 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.

The Power of Ketones: Ginny talks again

Jonny and his Gramma Ginny 3:07 minute video, filmed May 2 & 4, 2018 – Watch Here

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 Safe for general public – 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 11 mild adverse events in 2,016 drinks – 6 reported nausea for one dose, 3 reported mild headache, 1 reported diarrhea, and 1 reported abdominal discomfort.

Ketone Ester study in progress: Scientific article on study protocol – Finishes 2025

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 some products 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

Cognitive Switch Flavorless Powder

A truly flavorless ketone ester powder. Looks creamy in water, coffee, tea, or you can add to other favorite drinks.

Each packet or scoop = 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.

$59.99 for jar with 12 servings of 12.5 grams in each scoop = $0.40 per gram BHB BUY NOW

Cognitive Switch Liquid from Juvenescence (Product may be currently unavailable)

Creamy light berry flavor – Best tasting ketone ester!! Suggest starting with 1 level tablespoon = 5 grams BHB once or twice per day, then increase as tolerated (5 tablespoons per bottle).

A ketone diester combining the medium-chain triglyceride C8 and 1,3-butanediol which both convert to the ketone betahydroxybutyrate (BHB).

Testing on myself (Dr. Newport) showed ketone levels and lowering of blood glucose sustained for several hours longer than other ketone ester products.

6 bottles cost $59.99 which equals $0.40 per gram BHB BUY NOW

Also comes as a flavorless powder!! See below!

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 Beve rage 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

Delta H Ketone H ealth

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)– $133 for 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

10-pack $49.90 = $0.50 per gram BHB

Learn about D versus L-BHB – BUY HERE

Also look for

For product questions contact us at “Ketones08@gmail.com”.

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