Alzheimer’s care has many different facets. Everything from providing memory boosting activities to making adjustments around the house play a role, and diet can have an impact as well. Coconut oil in particular has attracted a great deal of attention when it comes to managing the condition, as experts have long found it could even treat other diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.

There has been a significant amount of anecdotal evidence supporting the benefits of coconut oil, and experts say it is not all that surprising given that it stimulates the production of so-called ketone bodies. The compounds are important for a number of reasons, especially because they can help serve as an energy source for brain cells when there is a surfeit of glucose – one of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s.

“All of these traditional foods and oils have benefits. Our society wouldn’t have survived if they were taking something that was bad for them,” Dr. Carolyn Dean told AgingCare.com.

The benefits of coconut oil highlight the fact meal preparation can play big role in Alzheimer’s care. Other foods and nutrients have shown similar promise including vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.