In:
Alzheimer's & Dementia, Wiley, Vol. 19, No. S21 ( 2023-12)
Abstract:
Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is an excellent source of medium chain fatty acids and thus, a potential natural ketogenic agent that can be used to substitute glucose in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain, in which the glucose metabolism is compromised. High content of polyphenols in VCO will also support to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with AD. The aims of this double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial were to investigate the effect of VCO on cognition in mild‐to‐moderate AD patients and the association of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 genotype on the outcome. Method Study participants were 120 mild‐to‐moderate AD patients [Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score = 15‐25, age ≥65 years], randomly allocated to either treatment or control groups and orally fed 30 mL/ day of VCO as the treatment and a same amount of canola oil as the placebo for 24 weeks. Cognition was assessed by MMSE, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), and executive clock drawing task (CLOX) at the baseline and at the end of the intervention. APOE genotyping was conducted at the baseline. Fasting lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels were analyzed at the baseline and at the end of the intervention. Result There was no significant difference in the post‐intervention changes of cognitive assessment scores, lipid profile and HbA1C levels between the treatment and control groups. The MMSE scores of the APOE ε4 carriers in the treatment group was improved compared to the non‐carriers (change of MMSE = 2.37, p = 0.021), whereas there was no difference in the control group. In both treatment and control groups, the lipid parameters were not compromised during the intervention. Conclusion Oral supplementation of 30 mL/day of VCO for 24 weeks did not improve cognition of mild‐to‐moderate AD patients compared to canola oil. However, VCO improved the MMSE scores of APOE ε4 carriers compared to non‐carriers. Consumption of VCO was safe as it did not compromise lipid parameters.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1552-5260
,
1552-5279
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2211627-8
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2201940-6
