I checked
my Post Office box a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised to
see two handwritten missives. In today’s atmosphere of mass mailings, junk
mail, advertisements, and “or current occupant” mailings, it is almost
mind-boggling to get one handwritten note, much less an entire letter.
The first
note was from one of our Walk to End Alzheimer’s sponsors. Jessica Snell and I
had recently delivered T-shirts and a copy of Broken Road: Navigating the Alzheimer’s Labyrinth, a publication of
my 2014 Early Onset Alzheimer’s blog posts. After thanking us for the shirts,
she wrote, “It’s our pleasure to support this effort. I have forwarded your
book to our social workers and case managers because I thought they would find
it insightful.”
The other
note was from a gentleman who began with “I have Alzheimer’s, and I read your
book.” He didn't mention which book he
read. In addition to the first book I compiled and edited, Alzheimer’s Anthology of Unconditional Love, I have seven other
Alzheimer’s books from my blog. “My wife said I have quit talking and reading.
Today I read your entire book and I will read the Bible for two years.” He went
on to talk about his coconut oil regimen. He said that one of the things I did not
mention in my book is coconut oil and its benefits for Alzheimer’s.
He is not
the first person to ask why I haven’t talked about the benefits of coconut oil.
This is one alternative treatment I never tried on Jim, so I have no personal
experience to share.
There is
little scientific research on coconut oil and Alzheimer’s disease. A trial was
supposed to be completed in September of this year, but for some reason it has
been delayed and the results are not yet available. So, basically the jury is
still out on the benefits, or a possible downside, of coconut oil therapy.
Coconut
oil has its staunch supporters and anecdotal testimony. Some testimonials say
their loved ones showed immediate improvement after taking daily doses of
coconut oil for a short time.
Coconut
oil contains more MCT (medium chain triglycerides) than any other food. MCT
produces ketones, which some researchers believe can improve Alzheimer’s
symptoms. Some very small studies showed improved cognitive function from MCT
supplements. These studies used a supplement, not coconut oil.
A cautionary
tale is that the safety of coconut oil in medicinal amounts is unknown. Its
effect on cholesterol levels in high dosages is in dispute. Another
consideration is that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it is
safe when taken in abnormal amounts.
I know
the frustration of waiting for an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s and I, too,
used vitamin E supplements for Jim. I did clear the dosage with his physician
and told every specialist he saw that he was taking it. None saw it as a
problem.
I also
take a couple of supplements—CoQ10 and MegaRed for joint problems. My physician
knows I take these, and I’ve seen tremendous benefits from taking both. I took
different levels until I found the lowest dosage that provided the best
results. They don’t work for everyone, but I have confidence this regimen works
for me.
Perhaps,
it is the same with coconut oil. It may not work for everyone, but it may work
for others. I do know primary caregivers will see even subtle changes in a loved
one with dementia. We want the highest quality of life without causing any
harm.
Once the
larger studies are completed, science may come down on one side or the other in
the coconut oil question. In the meantime, I would urge caution and consultation
with a trusted medical professional before beginning any alternative treatment.
December 2015 by L.S. Fisher
http://earlyonset.blogspot.com
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