Alzheimer's Disease: What If There Was a Cure?

This book deserves at least ten stars, because it is two five-star books in one. The first book is a moving account of the descent of the author's husband, Steve, into early-onset Alzheimer's disease and his dramatic improvement with the addition of a fairly small amount of coconut oil - and later, MCT oil - into his diet. Although Steve is by no means cured, his improvement is well documented and outside the range that can be expected from current standard Alzheimer medications. Dr. Newport carefully explains the line of reasoning that led her to try coconut oil and her utter amazement at the results. It also chronicles her efforts to spread the news about this discovery, the indifference they met from prominent people concerned about the disease, and the outright hostility they encountered from the organizers of the 2008 International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease. It is hard to escape the conclusion that the threat to the profits of makers of Alzheimer medications from a more effective and far less expensive treatment had something to do with the reception Dr. Newport received, as well as with why Dr. Veech at NIH could not get funding for his project to make enough ketone ester to conduct human experiments. The last chapter of this section summarizes reports from caregivers for 60 other patients with Alzheimer's disease or other degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Of these, 54 reported improvement, 1 noted a slowing of decline, and 5 showed no effect. The second half of the book explains for the intelligent reader what is known about the biochemistry of fats. The technical level of the writing here is comparable to what you find in Scientific American. The solid science here strongly supports Dr. Newport's stunning conjecture that something as simple as coconut oil could help people with Alzheimer's disease. That it helped Steve Newport is abundantly proven in the first half. Efforts to put down this work - of which I have seen several - because it does not come supported by large-scale trials completely miss the point. Dr. Newport would welcome such studies, but she is not in a position to conduct them. Rather, she wants to share with other caregivers of Alzheimer patients both her surprisingly successful experience with a simple, inexpensive remedy and the chain of reasoning that led her to conjecture that it might work. She has done both wonderfully well. I should think that anyone caring for an Alzheimer patient would want to read this book and try what worked for the Newports. There is little to lose and possibly much to gain. I also want to mention that, in her review of relevant literature, Dr. Newport points out numerous popular misconceptions, from which I - for one - suffered. For example, (a) the case against saturated fats was based on the fraudulent statistical technique of fitting a curve through carefully selected observations and not even mentioning the many other available observations that lie nowhere near the curve [pages 287-93], (b) the large-scale, fifty-year Framingham Heart Study did not find "a connection between fat or saturated fat intake and increased risk of heart disease or stroke" [p.291] (c) this same study showed that low HDL was a risk factor for heart disease, but high LDL was not [p.305]. A recent extensive review of the literature on statins found that women never benefit from them, nor do men over 70. The only group which appears to benefit is middle-aged men under 65 who have high LDL in addition to other cardiac risk factors [p.307].

Anyone facing the prospect of Alzheimer's in themselves or a loved one needs this book. As the baby boomer population ages, Alzheimer's will become a crisis not only for most American families but for society and the health care system as a whole. Parts of the book get a bit technical but for the most part it is accessible to the general public. If I were to reduce the take home message to a single paragraph, here's what it would be: Some people have physical difficulty converting carbohydrates into fuel usable by the brain, and Dr. Mary Newport has hypothesized that this could well be the root cause of Alzheimer's. Using her husband as a test subject, after extensive research and experimentation she found that a diet rich in certain kinds of oils called medium chain triglycerides get converted into "ketones" which is an effective form of brain nourishment. A diet rich in coconut oil is a convenient, low cost way to give the brain what it needs without harmful side effects. Her husband's unmistakable progress led to many studies that have since elevated Dr. Newport's theory out of the realm of speculation and into a viable clinical approach. In my humble opinion, there is ample evidence to support a ketonic diet for those at risk of Alzheimer's whether or not it is widely accepted by mainstream medicine. The key is you have to do your own research and that's precisely why this book is a valuable resource. I feel bad saying this, but if your solution is to outsource the care of your loved one to a conventional doctor, there is a high likelihood they will place the patient on a standard prescription for Alzheimer's which will have almost no effect. The approach in this book can be described as "grass roots", meaning you are travelling down this path on your own. If I have a complaint about the book it is that it ignores a multitude of other home remedies that show some promise in reducing, treating, or delaying Alzheimer's. A good adjunct to Dr. Newport's book is "Your Miracle Brain" by Jean Carper. Taken together, they provide an excellent arsenal in the war on Alzheimer's. To all you aging baby boomers out there: Don't be a victim. Be proactive.

I first saw Dr. Mary Newport's story in the St. Pete Times in 2009. Prior to reading this story I was familiar with the use of the ketogenic diet for neurological disorders like drug-resistant epilepsy. In fact, my research at the University of South Florida focused on using ketogenesis as a mitigation strategy for CNS oxygen toxicity (seizures) in Navy Divers. It made sense to me that elevating blood ketones with coconut oil (rich in MCT oil) could enhance brain metabolism by supplying an alternative fuel for the brain. Dr. Newport's book has stimulated new research at USF College of Medicine and USF Byrd Alzheimer's Institute on the potential for coconut oil, ketogenic diets and ketone esters in the treatment and prevention of neurological disorders and cancer. This book is very engaging and informative. It is a personal story describing a very simple approach to treating Alzheimer's disease. The second half of the book is an in depth discussion of the therapeutic potential for ketones and Ketone Esters. The work of Dr, Richard Veech (NIH) is highlighted throughout the book. Dr. Veech is the leading expert on developing ketone esters, however, his lab is in need of funding to make this potential therapy a reality. I recommend this book to anyone interested in a simple way to treat and possible delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. This book is a valuable resource for anyone caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease

It's a must. It really exceded my expectations. It is a key book to understand how the brain functions and how we can help our love ones to recover from neurodegenerative diseases. I'm helping my mother with coconutoil and a different diet, I could notice some changes after a few days and I hope (and I believe) she will keep improving. This book and "Grain Brain" have been important revelations to me and for improving my mother's condition. Thank you Dr.. Newport and Dr. Perlmutter. for making this subject understandable to the general public.

Have not read it yet, but by scanning through it, it seem real good the testimonies in it of how coconut oil heals people.

Alzheimer's Disease: What If There Was a Cure?: The Story of Ketones é um relato de uma saga humana e torna possível a cura da doença.

This is an important book. Mary T Newport "Alzheimer's Disease: What If There Was a Cure?” Mary Newport is an MD (neonatal care practitioner), whose husband Steve was diagnosed with alzheimer’s aged 58 in 2003. The underlying biochemistry behind her advocacy of Virgin Coconut Oil as the best means of delivering ketones, is clear and well supported scientifically. It is clearer and more credible than the “scientific” explanations behind the Memory Healer Program; though the wholefood diet she advocates is almost exactly the diet which the Memory Healer Program provides. This is mainly wholefoods, with raw salads & veg as a priority, some protein, and as few sugars & carbohydrates and as little processed or refined food as possible. This is why that diet, with the addition of daily intake of Coconut Oil, is working so well for my Mum. Basically what happens in Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia & Parkinson’s Disease, is that the glucose (from carbohydrates) which is the normal fuel for the brain cells, (and all the cells in the body), can no longer get across the blood-brain barrier, so the brain cells are deprived and start to die. Hence the MRI Brain scans of advanced Alzheimer’s sufferers show brain shrinkage, and areas of destruction of brain cells, as well as the plaques & tangles associated with the brain being starved of fuel. The reason for the failure of the transport of fuel (glucose) to the brain, is lack of insulin or a resistance to insulin in the mitochondria in the brain cells. The brain requires massive supplies of energy to continue to function properly. The tiny mitochondria in the brain cells normally process this energy. The body has a natural way of dealing with this problem on a temporary basis, by producing ketones, which seems to be a fuel which can pass through the blood brain barrier without needing the insulin transporter, and therefore fuel the brain cells. Normally we only produce ketones when we are starved for 48 hours or more. As soon as we eat again, the ketones levels drop and we go back to processing carbs to make glucose, with the insulin produced in the pancreas to transport the glucose. But where the latter process is not happening, as in Az sufferers, then ketones which the body can quickly synthesise from Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil, come to the rescue, and allow the brain cells to be fuelled, and new cells to grow and replace the dead or damaged ones. The best available source of ketones is Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil and other Coconut based products, as well as MCT Oils from palm oil or coconut oil, or synthesized forms of these powerful fatty acids. Because Coconut Oil is a medium chain fatty acid (ie MCT), even though it is a saturated fat, it will not raise LDL cholesterol levels, and is not harmful to the diet. In fact, it has other great benefits in addition to supplying the ketones needed for Alzheimer’s sufferers. It has anti-oxidants, vitamins, fights infections, especially fungal problems, and herpes simplex problems and it boosts the immune system. It is good for the skin and hair; and is an excellent preventative health supplement. Because the effects of Ketones are short term, they must be replaced daily to ensure the brain cells are being fuelled. Hence the need to take the Coconut oil every day. Mary Newport incorporated moderate doses into Steve’s meals, 3 times a day. He showed remarkable improvements, and only had setbacks when other illnesses or meds taken for them, prevented the taking of, or absorption of the ketones in the coconut oil. This does mean that the subtitle of her book is rather misleading, because there is no permanent cure for Alzheimer’s. If you stop producing the ketones ie stop taking the coconut oil, then you deteriorate again, as your brain is not being fuelled properly. But we can say that the symptoms can be arrested, and the sufferer can lead a fairly normal life. Here is a passage from the publisher’s blurb, which is not very clear, but it does get some of the background to the Newport’s story across….. This is an this updated second edition Dr. Newport, a neonatal practitioner, continues the story of Steve's progress and provides the most recent research on such topics as possible causes of Alzheimer's due to the herpes simplex virus and nitrosamine substances and how infection, inflammation and genetic makeup may affect an individual's response to fatty acid therapy. Among many other updates, she details the latest clinical trials aimed at removing beta amyloid that accumulates in the Alzheimer's brain. Dr. Newport's story of Steve's reprieve from Alzheimer's provides a real breakthrough for carers eager to learn about readily available fatty acids in foods that may reverse the ravages of this dreaded disease. Changes in loved ones may take many forms, including improved memory, return of personality, resumption of activities and social interaction and relief from certain physical symptoms. Carers of those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease are searching desperately for hope, relief and a cure. They will find all that in this book that summaries Dr. Newport's research and Steve's reprieve, the importance of medium-chain fatty acids and how Alzheimer's patients can make the transition to a healthy diet rich in these vital fats Dr. Newport has become an ardent advocate for ketone ester research, with FDA approval her final goal. These are my (Stewart McFarlane) further COMMENTS for this review I have been giving virgin coconut oil capsules & paste/oil daily in food for 5 weeks to Mum. Her short term memory & verbal accuracy have improved, as well her joints, skin, appetite & mood. She is walking 90 minutes a day and is reading novels again in the evening, her bridge playing has improved. I recently gave Mum 2 standard memory tests. Pretty much the same test as those used in her diagnosis. She scored 10/10 in one (ie the Clock Face Test) & 98% in the other (Standard Sage Test). So she would be declared clear of AZ’s if these were her first tests. She had been on coconut oil, beetroot juice and the Memory Healer Diet for 5 ½ weeks when she took these tests. Mum's blood pressure has returned to normal, though this may be due to the organic beetroot juice she is taking daily, along with beetroot in salads & soups. It is important to use virgin coconut oil, not the refined or processed stuff. The refined oil is no good as a food or supplement. Don't store the coconut oil in fridge or cool places, as it gets very hard. Best mixed with warm foods just before eating, or warmed by placing the jar in a bowl of hot water, or on a warm hob or heateror even microwave for a second, so it can liquify, then you can mix it with cold things such as yoghurt or ice cream. The compulsion to eat chocolate, biscuits, ice cream & other sweet is common in Alzheimer's sufferers: because the brain is telling them it is starved of glucose (fuel) so they eat the sweet stuff to supply it, but it doesn't work because the glucose cannot fuel the brain cells because of the insulin deficit or insulin resistance, so the sweet stuff just gets turned to fat, rots the teeth, as well as supplying some energy to other parts of the body, but not much, often due insulin deficiency. I have noticed that Mum's craving for those things has diminished, because the fuel to the brain is being supplied by the ketones from the Coconut Oil. NOTE: If you are starting yourself or a loved one on coconut oil, go easy to start with, it can cause diarrhoea if you take too much, too early. Build up gradually & you will have no problem. If you get the runs, reduce intake until your stomach adjusts. Mum & I have had no problem, but we always liked coconut anyway. Anyway, better to have the runs for short spell, than a permanently malfunctioning brain. I should add that my general approach to my Mum's illness has been strongly influenced by the person centred care method advocated by the Contented Dementia (SPECAL) as advocated in Oliver James " Contented Dementia: 24-hour Wraparound Care for Lifelong Well-being"[Kindle Edition]. The Contented Dementia Trust is based in Burford, Oxfordshire. Though they do not advocate any specific diets, as far as I know. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ VIRGIN COCONUT OIL, restores memory & and helps mental functioning. Great for skin and hair; and protects against many infections and fungal rashes. Boosts the immune system & provides many other benefits. Mum doing very well on this. As an alternative to the Suma brand, these 2 are good brands for spreads or adding to warm food or even with ice cream. "Groovy Food" extra virgin organic coconut oil. £5.99 jar, or Waitrose own brand cold pressed virgin coconut oil (in a plastic tub)...£5.00 quid. Amounts are about the same as Suma’s ie 320 grammes. ___________________________________________________ BEETROOT JUICE “Beet It” Organic Beetroot Juice by James White Co. is on offer at Waitrose. 1 litre carton 2.20, 75cl Bootle..£2.39 (usually 2.99). This is the best brand. Beetroot , especially the juice, is an essential part of Mum's Memory Diet, & known to regulate blood pressure,& has powerful antioxidants & vitamins. It is really working for Mum. One glass with a Memory healer meal, & sometimes another glass later in the day.

Friends in America sent me a video of this woman who has dragged her husband back from being unable to talk sensibly and inability to walk. She read research which lead her to believe that brain cell death was a sort of Diabetes of the brain. Nutrients from sugar were unable to feed brain cells so they were dying. According to this book, the human liver can make something called ketones from coconut oil and this product can get through to offer nutrition to brain cells. In the book she refers to similar effects on cancers and Parkinson's Disease. One of my friends was developing noticeable and worrying hand tremors and now, thanks to consuming coconut oil on his morning toast, the tremors have gone!