Alzheimer Society answers questions

Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Darlene Jackson

EMC News -Regional - The Alzheimer Society of Canada has been getting a number of inquiries about coconut oil and our director, Scientific Affairs & Strategy, has responded: "We have looked into your question about MCT oil and coconut and have only been able to find one study in the British Journal of Nutrition < www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21114897>.It is very early and highly speculative research. There is no confirmatory evidence and no clinical trials have been conducted to date."

It is probably wise to be skeptical about this particular item at this particular time. However, research continues to be our best hope for finding treatments that will ultimately show us the way to a cure but also to improving quality of life for people with dementia in the meantime. Talking to your doctor to be sure you are taking advantage of the available treatments that can slow the progression of the disease down in some people can be important. You can learn about these treatments at our web site at < www.alzheimer.ca/en/Living-with-dementia/Treatment-options>.To learn about a "brain healthy lifestyle," I encourage you

to read the materials we make available at < www.alzheimer.ca/en/Aboutdementia/About-the-brain/Brain-health>.

To learn more about the research the Alzheimer Society supports and the resources available in your own community, contact the staff at your local Alzheimer Society. They will be able to learn about each unique situation, how to prepare for the future and learn about supports available locally.

The Alzheimer Society of Belleville-Hastings-Quinte serves all of Hastings County and Brighton with the following representatives: in North Hastings contact Sarah Krieger at 613-332-4614, Centre Hastings contact Darlene Jackson at 613-395-5018, Brighton & Quinte West contact Karen Taipale at 613-475-5771 and Belleville and Area contact Kristel Nicholas at 613-962-0892. Mary E. Schulz is the Director of Information, Support Services and Education for the Alzheimer Society of Canada.