What about coconut oil and pine bark extract, can it help with dementia?

Coconut oil may seem to help for awhile, many people have said. Though one of the nasty side effects, diarrhea. If you have someone already struggling with this, I would not try it. There are some youtube videos that you could check out and the answer is split.

There is considerable info on the internet about coconut oil helping dementia. Dr Newport's experience with her husband is one of better presentations. One Link below. (There are others)

Based mostly on her explanation, I have just started trying it (one week) with my wife. There does seem to be some small improvement in her balance, awareness, and speech already. Improvement enough so I am encouraged to continue.

According to Dr. Newport, Coconut oil is just a food, so there is no downside to trying it. Others claim there is a negative effect on cholesterol.

My Dad has been using Coconut oil for over 2 years now. I never believed it would cure Alz. But I really believe it has made his behaviors more tolerable. He doesn't seem to wander as much and he is in the early severe stage of the disease. He does fidget and he whistles and taps but I usually can redirect him. He is also on 2000 mg a day of Niacinamide ( pharmaceutical grade ) which I crush in applesauce. I notice though if he is constipated or really tired that his symptoms are more pronounced. Sometimes I give him relaxing herb tea. Hope this helps. You are a good person for caring so much about your loved one.

I am not a doctor Just someone that is showing early signs of dementia, look up Noopept (believe its spelled) I take it everyday to soon to know out come,I am younge 40's and take care of dementia patients(I Love My Work) so I am very afriad of where i maybe headed

Actually, coconut oil has been shown to increase your HDL "good cholesterol", not your LDL "bad cholesterol". So it may help some and definitely cannot hurt!

We had a bottle of cocoanut butter for Mom. That could have been an issue, We'll look back and compare notes.

We noticed a difference with my mom's memory after she start taking coconut oil. We put a big spoonful in her coffee every morning and she didn't even know she was drinking it, but she had lost her sense of taste long before.

I guess it depends on the degree of dementia the person has, maybe the type of dementia or IF they are on any other meds. my mother gave to my dad every morning on toast but it didn't seem to help him, so I am guessing if in early stages it might help slow down but if further into the disease, it won't do much. good luck

It seems to help some dementia patients, in different ways. I gave coconut oil to my husband... went thru 3 large jars. Nothing. Tried curcumin/turmeric .....again, went thru 2 bottles. Nothing, no change.
YOU try anything. You never know what will work for someone or won't work. But you try. Good luck.

Yes, and NO, nothing will help the progression of one's dementia except HOPE. Look up the current A4 study and it so far looks promising...I use coconut oil on my face as well as eating it and it works fine, but I do not have dementia.

Sometimes people see what they want to see. That's what this sounds like to me. As of now there is no cure for dementia that is known. That is the hard truth of the matter. If taking or giving something makes you feel better them do it. Simple as that just do it and hope for the best. Sometimes if you think it is going to work then it will for a while anyway.

The "coconut oil for Alzheimer's" bandwagon that had been going strong a few years ago has pretty much ground to a halt. Dr. Newport herself has backed off from her claims now that her husband has had some unfortunate setbacks in his health. See my blog post at http://bit.ly/1v8lxsY.

Of course pharmasutical companies, and some medical People would dismiss the notion that coconut oil is of advantage to Demensia and Alzheimer' sufferers, for obvious reasons, but I've seen My Mother improve greatly since I introduced extra virgin coconut oil to Her diet. Memory improved, and Mother is in much better form. Id say persevere with coconut oil, give it a chance. You will be amazed with the positive result.

Nothing works for dementia, although I used some coconut oil for my cats to help with hairballs.

Great, Johnjoe. That's what I said.... whatever it takes, you try anything, we don't know what may work for one and not the other. With dementia... I say try anything! Glad the cats are getting relief, cetude. If only hairballs were my husbands only problem.

An option I use is to "Pull" a teaspoon of Coconut Oil (melted is best) in my mouth between my teeth for 10-20 minutes and then SPIT IT OUT. It pulls all the bad toxins from your blood via your gums. You swish it in your mouth pulling it between your teeth. Don't pit in Sink as it is a solid and can clog drain. May start Mom on this too as she tends toward the diarrhea and this would help alleviate it.

Look into work of Dr Carolyn Dean ND MD 30 years of experience and author of many published books on aging, dementia and Alzheimer's. Accurate recommendations for use of coconut as well as role of magnesium in above. Type keywords of concerns into 'archives' in box in right column to access printable/sharable articles from her blogs. I have been an in-home caregiver for many Alzheimer's affected clients over the past 20 years and found her advice invaluable to families using it. There ARE natural alternatives that ARE effective. Dr Dean is one of best sources of that knowledge. Alzheimer symptoms ARE irreversible. Blessings to all families affected!!

"milesaway" you are not helping with your nonsense answers.

'Pulling' is a very well known and becoming more popular technique for strengthing, whitening teeth preferred by many looking for natural, holistic options. Looking on-line can give you clear directions on benefits and how used. As a caregiver who worked for 10 years with those choosing 'holistic' health options and saw almost every client improve, I would suggest that those who have not chosen that route respectfully reserve judgement of those who do. Anyone who cares about an Alzheimer's affected loved one will find very helpful information in The Everything Alzheimer's book by Dr. Carolyn Dean ND MD available on-line (Amazon, etc). Free info is also available at her drcarolyndean.com blog. Alzheimer's is reversible in early cases and symptoms can be reduce in advanced cases. Having just assisted a family who's loved one became lost on 'his daily walk' and was found by police and concerned citizen's the next day and required hospitalization for injuries from falling and being outdoors overnight, I can do no less than have completely empathy for the 'nightmare' that Alzheimer's care becomes for some families. Fortunately his daughter stepped in and was able through our local Alzheimer's Association to locate a home in a gated community when he can safely enjoy his daily walks while having 24 hour care in a small 3 client group home. Blessings to all families who are affected by Alzheimer's!

medium chain transfatty acid is what helps. Get it however you can

Coconut Oil - Ok I will look at the studies and price the stuff and see if we should start a trial....Sometimes different people react differently...I think we all have inner balances that get screwed up because of our diets and sometimes these "remedies" can help plug the holes because of their composition.
I take Magnesium Daily and it has helped my headaches tremendously. I find on days the I remember to give mom EmergenC - the vitamin D one - that she is perkier and has less pain. (It may be the B12, Magnesium and D3 that is in it.) Mom tends to run low on B12 and D3 and both can exacerbate pain...and she refuses to take more pills. The "little juice cocktail" made from the packet helps...maybe I can add coconut oil to that???

I am confused - does coconut oil tend to cause runs or constipation? There were several conflicting answers. Mom tends to stop up so maybe coconut oil wouldn't be a bad idea anyway...cheaper that Miralax?

Gleeson - You seem to believe there little or no AD improvement value to the use of coconut oil. Is this based on your personal experience, or other accessible reference?

Frankly I don't see how it can help, because the only food the brain can use is sugar and oxygen. Beware of claims when there isn't research or proof from RELIABLE sources to back it up. However, I suppose mixing some (maybe a teaspoon) in food once or twice a day won't hurt. At the very least it will help prevent constipation. This factor alone is good enough reason to use it. I heard some people use it as a substitute butter.

Disciplinary Action against Carolyn Dean, M.D.

Stephen Barrett, M.D.

In 1995, after reviewing her care of 36 patients, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (Canada) concluded that Carolyn Dean, M.D. was unfit to practice and revoked her registration certificate. The College's case summary (shown below) states:

After being notified in 1993 that a disciplinary hearing would be held, Dean relocated to New York and did not contest the charges against her.
Dean had used unscientific methods of testing such as hair analysis, Vega and Interro testing, iridology and reflexology as well as treatment not medically indicated and of unproven value, such as homeopathy, colonic irrigations, coffee enemas, and rotation diets.
She did not individualize her patients and objectively try to reach an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Rather she allowed her bias toward candidiasis and perceived immunodeficiency problems to cause her to pre-diagnose patients without individualizing them.
Dean obtained a California medical license in 1993 but does not appear to have practiced there. After her Ontario license was revoked, the California authorities initiated action that led to a stipulated decision and order in 1999 under which she was placed on three years' probation but could not practice until she passed the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), a test used to to determine basic medical knowledge. She was also required to take 120 more hours of continuing medical education than is normally required for license renewal.

Dean's current Web site states that she "specializes in managing and healing misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as digestive problems, hormone imbalance, yeast overgrowth (Candida) recurring infection, irritable bowel syndrome, widespread inflammation, allergies, anxiety, fibromyalgia, mood swings, chronic fatigue syndrome, fluid retention, lost vitality, and other conditions that are not satisfactorily controlled." During the past several years, she has offered email and telephone consultations for which she charges $200 per hour. In 2008, she notified her supporters that she was moving to Hawaii and in 2010 would open a "medical spa" called VitaCosta in Costa Rica.

Disciplinary Action against Carolyn Dean, M.D.

Stephen Barrett, M.D.

In 1995, after reviewing her care of 36 patients, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (Canada) concluded that Carolyn Dean, M.D. was unfit to practice and revoked her registration certificate. The College's case summary (shown below) states:

After being notified in 1993 that a disciplinary hearing would be held, Dean relocated to New York and did not contest the charges against her.
Dean had used unscientific methods of testing such as hair analysis, Vega and Interro testing, iridology and reflexology as well as treatment not medically indicated and of unproven value, such as homeopathy, colonic irrigations, coffee enemas, and rotation diets.
She did not individualize her patients and objectively try to reach an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Rather she allowed her bias toward candidiasis and perceived immunodeficiency problems to cause her to pre-diagnose patients without individualizing them.
Dean obtained a California medical license in 1993 but does not appear to have practiced there. After her Ontario license was revoked, the California authorities initiated action that led to a stipulated decision and order in 1999 under which she was placed on three years' probation but could not practice until she passed the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX), a test used to to determine basic medical knowledge. She was also required to take 120 more hours of continuing medical education than is normally required for license renewal.

Dean's current Web site states that she "specializes in managing and healing misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as digestive problems, hormone imbalance, yeast overgrowth (Candida) recurring infection, irritable bowel syndrome, widespread inflammation, allergies, anxiety, fibromyalgia, mood swings, chronic fatigue syndrome, fluid retention, lost vitality, and other conditions that are not satisfactorily controlled." During the past several years, she has offered email and telephone consultations for which she charges $200 per hour. In 2008, she notified her supporters that she was moving to Hawaii and in 2010 would open a "medical spa" called VitaCosta in Costa Rica.

Just because they wrote books does NOT make a person an "authority". I mean anybody can write a book. You need to do your research and find authoritative sources from science and medical journals, preferably PEER REVIEWED.

The coconut oil may be okay to try-if anything it may help prevent constipation. But be careful with using herbs because it can have very serious side effects with prescription medications. herbs such as turmeric and may even damage the liver or thin the blood, affect platelets, etc. This can be catastrophic if a person is on Coumadin, aspirin or other agents that thin or inhibit clotting.

Cetude, and think about it another way, if coconut oil prevents constipation it must cause havoc on those with that opposite problem, like my mom.

Oh definitely do NOT give coconut oil if a person has issues that is opposite constipation. Now what I do know that benefits very elderly people, especially with Alzheimer's, if it's possible, take the person on walks -- only a few minutes a day. Just to the point they get a little tired but not much. Use a walker. You see they tend to like to sit all day and watch television, which makes them weaker. The walks will help prevent falls, and DOES help their mind. I live near a park and I take my mom on walks--only a few minutes a day weather permitting. I have these trees for "landmark" and we reach that tree, and go a little further. then back to the car. The fresh air does them good. She gets in her moods where she won't want to go and I REMIND her firmly she will be falling and I can't pick her up. She gets her shoes on and there we go. I know it's an overall downward spiral, but the walks do slow it down. They do prevent injury. I think walking is the best medicine. I also give her GREEN TEA during the day, which helps keep her awake. Just a cup a day. She loves it, and it will help keep them awake. She tends to sleep all night as long as the green tea is given during the day.

Weight control helps. I noticed my mom put on six pounds, but I've been feeding her more than usual. I cut back on dinner plate servings where we both eat lightly in the evening, and it's helping us both lose weight gradually. I'm not a believer in diets, but simply cut back. I mean like if you get a second helping of cereal for breakfast keep it at one serving, but don't count carbs or calories. Weight loss is a permanent lifestyle. You can eat all those foods you like, even rice, but keep it at smaller servings.