Catherine Frayne: Who Gave Her Mother Coconut Oil for Dementia
Learn about the potential benefits of coconut oil for dementia from caregiver Catherine Frayne. Read about her experience using coconut oil to improve her mother's short term memory and the positive impact it had on their lives.
'By Catherine Frayne
Coconut oil as a treatment for dementia is a subject many of my caregivers ask about. I was blessed to meet, Catherine Frayne, author and caregiver, whose mother was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. She has agreed to be a contributing editor on our site. She will share her experiences with her mother and the use of coconut oil as a treatment for dementia.
‘Where is it we are going again Catherine?’ Mammy asks for the umpteenth time. To the hospital for your appointment Mam’, I calmly respond. ‘Oh and what’s this it’s for? Sure there’s nothing wrong with me is there?’ ‘Ah no, it’s just a memory test Mam’. ‘Oh that’s right, that’s grand. Aren’t they taking great interest in me at my age? Thank God I don’t have Alzheimer’s anyway.
I’d rather lose my legs than have that’, she happily announces. My heart sinks as I recall the Geriatrician’s diagnosis a year before. ‘I’m afraid your Mother has Alzheimer’s. Her quality of her life will seriously deteriorate over the next twelve months’.
The above paragraph appears on the back cover of my book ‘Thoughts of Yesterday‘. And is a mild sign of where my Mother was at with Alzheimer’s, in 2010.
As the cruelty of the disease progressed, I was introduced to the darker sides of Alzheimer’s. Aggression, severe and repeated kidney infections and constant confusion and repetition are unwanted behaviors of dementia. I desperately wished that I did not have to witness the living death in my Mother’s beautiful eyes. I longed for an exit, an absence, so that I could remember my Mammy as she used to be.
Thankfully the qualities that I inherited from my Mother won through. And ensured that nature, nurture and love won the battle I was fighting within.
In 2012 I heard about Dr Mary Newport. She found that Unhydrogenated Coconut Oil helped her husband Steve. He was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
We began by putting the oil into Mammy’s porridge every morning. After just two weeks we noticed improvements in her short term memory.
The remarkable advancements continued and, as they did, I kept a journal.
The introduction of the oil in Mammy’s diet has filled my life with the sweetest of memories. I am more than happy to share with you all, over the coming months.
Catherine’s Journey with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Catherine’s journey with early onset Alzheimer’s disease began when she was just 55 years old. She started noticing subtle changes in her memory and cognitive abilities, such as forgetting where she placed her keys or struggling to recall familiar words. At first, she brushed it off as a normal part of aging, but as the symptoms worsened, she knew something was wrong. After a series of tests and evaluations, Catherine was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her world was turned upside down, and she felt like she was losing herself.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which leads to the death of brain cells and a decline in cognitive function. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers are working tirelessly to develop new treatments and therapies.
Coconut oil offers potential benefits for early onset Alzheimer's disease.
Studies have shown that dementia patients who take coconut oil may experience an increase in short-term memory and cognitive function. However, it is important to note that comprehensive, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to validate these findings. Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily absorbed by the body and can be used as an energy source for the brain.
This allows dementia patients to access their stored memories more quickly, as evidenced by improvements in clock test scores, improving their ability to think clearly and recall information better. In addition, MCTs found in coconut oil help reduce inflammation in the hippocampus - an area of the brain associated with learning and memory - which can improve dementia symptoms further.
Benefits of Coconut Oil with Dementia
More on the Benefits of Coconut Oil with Dementia by Dr. Mary Newport
If you or someone you know is living with dementia, adding coconut oil to their daily diet may be worth considering as a way to manage dementia symptoms. Including a quality, organic coconut oil in your dementia patient’s diet may provide numerous benefits when it comes to managing dementia symptoms.
The MCTs found in coconut oil can help with short-term memory recall and improve cognitive function, while reducing inflammation in the hippocampus which is associated with learning and memory.
Coconut oil is also easy to incorporate into meals or snacks, making it an ideal choice for dementia patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets. With regular use, dementia patients may experience improved cognitive abilities and a better quality of life overall. Try adding some coconut oil to your dementia patient’s diet today!
Coconut oil and its powerful MCTs have been found to be effective in promoting brain health and preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia. In recent years, coconut oil has gone from being considered an unhealthy fat to a superfood with numerous benefits. While it has always been revered in countries like Asia and the South Pacific, the rest of the world is finally catching on to its potential.
Traditionally, populations that incorporate coconut oil into their diets have enjoyed excellent overall health, with low rates of stroke and heart disease. However, the use of coconut oil as a treatment for Alzheimer’s and dementia is still a topic of debate. While there is convincing evidence that it can slow down and even reverse the progression of these degenerative brain diseases, its claims are yet to be fully scrutinized by scientists. There is a lack of substantial scientific evidence supporting these claims, and more research is needed to validate the health benefits of coconut oil for dementia.
Catherine’s Experience with Coconut Oil
Catherine’s husband, a healthcare professional, had heard about the potential benefits of coconut oil for Alzheimer’s disease. He had read about Dr. Mary Newport’s research on the use of coconut oil as an alternative fuel for brain cells. Intrigued, Catherine decided to try taking coconut oil as a supplement. She started with a small dose and gradually increased it over time. Within a few weeks, Catherine noticed a significant improvement in her cognitive abilities. She was able to recall words and memories more easily, and her mood improved dramatically.
Coconut Oil and Why Our Brains Need Dietary Fats
Regardless of its potential as a treatment, it is important to understand why our brains need dietary fats. The brain is made up of about 60% fat and relies on the quality of the fats we consume to maintain healthy cell membranes. These membranes play a crucial role in brain function and health by regulating what enters and exits the brain cells. Unhealthy trans fats, like those found in processed oils, can impair the efficiency and lifespan of brain cells. Certain products are marketed as medical food for conditions like Alzheimer's disease, relying on preliminary trials to support their claims about efficacy and safety.
Unfortunately, the low-fat diet trend has had detrimental effects on our brains. Experts believe that the increase in brain disorders like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s may be linked to the lack of healthy fats in our diets. Contrary to popular belief, plant-based fats like canola, soy, and sunflower oils are not the healthiest options due to their high trans fat content and chemical rancidity.
Thankfully, there are plenty of brain-boosting fats available, such as avocados, nuts, fatty cold-water fish, and olive oil. However, coconut oil stands out as a unique source of brain fuel. Unlike most plant-based oils, coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easier to break down and serve as a backup energy source for the brain. MCTs are vital for brain development and can be found abundantly in human breast milk.
Coconut Oil is an Alternative Fuel Supply for the Brain
The brain requires a constant supply of energy, as it does not have energy storage capabilities. While glucose from carbohydrates is the usual source of energy, there are times when the brain cannot access enough glucose. This is where coconut oil comes in. It bypasses glucose metabolism and provides direct energy to the brain cells. The liver breaks down stored fat to produce ketones, which are readily used by the brain for energy. Maintaining adequate ketone levels is crucial for effective treatment, especially in the context of neurological disorders. Ketones can cross the blood-brain barrier and offer an immediate energy boost.
While a high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet is one way to increase ketone production, not everyone is willing or able to adopt this lifestyle. This is where coconut oil with its MCTs becomes a convenient solution. It provides a workaround for accessing ketones without major dietary changes. Whether it’s for preventing Alzheimer’s, promoting brain health, or supplying a reliable source of energy, coconut oil and its MCTs offer a promising option worth considering.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Catherine’s experience with coconut oil has been nothing short of remarkable. While it is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, it has certainly improved her quality of life. She continues to take coconut oil as part of her daily routine and has also made lifestyle changes to support her brain health, such as following a low-carb diet and engaging in regular exercise. Catherine’s story is a testament to the importance of exploring alternative therapies and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. As researchers continue to study the effects of coconut oil on Alzheimer’s disease, Catherine remains hopeful that one day, a cure will be found.
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