A neonatologist whose husband is suffering from very early onset Alzheimer’s combed the medical literature in 2008 and found that ketones, a source of energy that the brain can easily use as fuel, might be helpful.  She gave her husband coconut oil, which is a good source of ketones, and saw dramatic improvement.  You can read more about their story here at
http://www.coconutketones.com/

People who have other  neurodegenerative diseases that involve decreased glucose uptake in neurons may also benefit from taking coconut oil.  Diseases which may be helped include Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), multiple sclerosis,Duchenne muscular dystrophy,autism, Down’s syndrome, and Huntington’s chorea. Ketones can also serve as an alternative fuel for other cells in the body that are insulin resistant or cannot transport glucose, and could potentially lessen the effects of diabetes I or II on the brain and other organs. For this reason coconut oil may help with weight loss.
The usual serving is 4 to 6 tablespoons a day.     Potential side effects are diarrhea, which is solved by slowly working up to the recommended dosage.  Medium chain triglyerides, a supplement used by bodybuilders can also be used or mixed with the coconut oil.