Supporting Brain Energy in Mild Cognitive Impairment

If you or someone you love has been told they have mild cognitive impairment, you've probably heard "there's not much we can do except wait and see." You might have been offered medications with limited benefits and concerning side effects. But research shows there are practical steps you can take right now to support brain health - and you don't need to wait for permission to start.

One of these tools is MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil, which studies suggest can help with memory and thinking. More importantly, it's part of a larger picture showing that everyday choices really do matter for brain health.

When Medications Fall Short

Recent experience with brain medications shows why many people are looking for better options. Take aducanumab, a drug that targets brain plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Despite initial excitement, it caused brain swelling and bleeding in about one-third of patients whilst providing minimal cognitive benefit. Many major US hospitals refused to prescribe it, and three FDA advisors resigned over its controversial approval.

Meanwhile, researchers have been studying whether supporting the brain's energy supply might be more helpful. A study of people with Alzheimer's found that a modified diet approach achieved impressive results - 81% of participants completed the 12-week program, and they showed meaningful improvements in daily functioning and quality of life with minimal side effects.

This tells us something important: approaches that work with your body's natural systems often have better results and fewer problems than complex medications.

What We Know About MCT Oil

MCT oil comes from coconut and palm kernel oil. Your body quickly converts it into ketones - an alternative fuel your brain can use when glucose isn't working well. This matters because research shows that Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline often involve problems with how the brain uses glucose for energy.

In healthy brains, glucose is the primary fuel. But in Alzheimer's disease, brain scans reveal a 20-25% reduction in the brain's ability to use glucose effectively compared to healthy control groups - a condition researchers call cerebral glucose hypometabolism. Some areas of the brain essentially become "starved" for energy, even when blood sugar levels are normal. There's also growing evidence that insulin resistance in the brain plays a role, making it harder for brain cells to access and use glucose properly.

This is where ketones become important. Unlike glucose, ketones can bypass these metabolic problems and provide energy directly to brain cells. Research using brain imaging shows that when people consume MCT oil, ketone uptake in the brain increases significantly, potentially compensating for the reduced glucose metabolism.

Recent studies show MCT oil can make a real difference:

• A review of six studies found that MCT oil improved memory in 4 out of 6 trials, especially working memory
• People with lower starting memory scores saw the biggest improvements
• Benefits showed up both from single doses (within 90 minutes) and longer-term use (3 months)
• One study found memory test scores improved from 17.5 to 21 points after three months of daily MCT oil
• Side effects were generally mild - mostly some stomach upset when first starting

The research suggests MCT oil works best for people who are already noticing some memory changes, rather than as prevention for those with normal memory.

Building Your Brain Health Plan

MCT oil works better when it's part of a complete approach. Think of it as one tool in your toolkit, not a magic solution. Here are the key areas research shows make a difference:

Sleep Quality - Your brain clears waste and forms memories during sleep. Poor sleep directly hurts thinking and accelerates brain aging. Most people need 7-9 hours of quality sleep.

Brain Fuel Support - This includes MCT oil, but also stable blood sugar, regular meals, and avoiding excessive sugar that creates inflammation.

Key Nutrients - Your brain needs specific building blocks: omega-3 fats (from fish or supplements), B vitamins (B12, folate, B6), vitamin D, and magnesium. Blood tests can show if you're low in any of these.

Physical Foundations - Blood pressure control, regular movement, staying hydrated, and managing stress all directly affect brain health.

Medication Review - Some common medications can affect thinking. Work with your doctor to review whether drugs like sleep aids, anxiety medications, or certain antihistamines are necessary.

The power isn't in any single change - it's in how these work together to support your brain's health.

How to Use MCT Oil Safely

If you want to try MCT oil, here's what the research suggests:

Start Small - Begin with 1 teaspoon per day with food to avoid stomach upset. You can gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoons daily over several weeks.

Timing Matters - Take it with meals to improve tolerance. Some people split the dose between morning and lunch.

Choose Quality - Look for MCT oil that contains both C8 (caprylic acid) and C10 (capric acid). C8 is more ketogenic, while C10 has other brain benefits.

Watch Carbs - MCT oil works better when you're not eating lots of sugar or refined carbs at the same time.

Be Patient - Some people notice effects within hours, others need a few weeks. Those with lower starting memory scores tend to see more benefit.

Common Side Effects - Nausea, stomach upset, or loose stools when starting. These usually improve as your body adapts.

What to Expect Realistically

MCT oil isn't going to reverse established dementia or restore cognitive function to earlier levels. But the research suggests it can help maintain the cognitive function you have and possibly slow decline. The biggest benefits seem to be in working memory - the kind of thinking you use to follow conversations, remember where you put things, or complete tasks.

People in studies typically saw improvements in:

• Remembering and following instructions
• Staying focused during conversations
• Managing daily tasks
• Overall mental sharpness

These might seem like small changes, but they can make a big difference in daily life and independence.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

What makes this approach different is that you're not just targeting one problem - you're supporting your brain's overall health. Unlike medications that often have one specific target, lifestyle approaches work through multiple pathways.

The safety profile is also completely different. While brain medications can cause serious side effects, the biggest risk with MCT oil is temporary stomach upset. The studies show people tolerate it well and stick with it.

This doesn't mean medications never have a place, but it does mean you have options beyond waiting for the pharmaceutical industry to develop better drugs.

Taking the First Step

The most empowering thing about this research is that it shows your daily choices matter. You don't need a prescription to start supporting your brain health.

Consider this: the 12-week brain health program mentioned above had an 81% completion rate. People found it doable and worthwhile. Many said they'd continue the approach after the study ended.

The goal isn't to cure everything - it's to give your brain the best possible support whilst maintaining your quality of life. Research shows this approach can make a meaningful difference in how you think and function day to day.

Whether you're dealing with mild cognitive changes yourself or supporting someone who is, remember that there are evidence-based actions you can take. You're not powerless, and you don't have to just wait and see what happens.

While this article provides evidence-based information about MCT oil and brain health strategies, everyone's situation is different. What works well for one person might need adjustment for another, depending on your current health, medications, family history, and personal preferences.

If you'd like to develop a personalised plan to support your cognitive health - whether that includes MCT oil, other nutritional strategies, or a comprehensive lifestyle plan - consider booking a consultation here .

Having someone review your individual circumstances, help you prioritise the most important changes, and guide you through implementation can make the difference between reading about these strategies and actually benefiting from them.

This information is for educational purposes and doesn't replace medical advice. Always discuss significant health changes with your healthcare provider, especially if you're taking medications or have medical conditions.