February 8, 2026

Ketones and Cognitive Function

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Key concept: Your brain may work better when fueled by ketones instead of sugar.

HI ,

I want to share some exciting developments in how we can support brain health, particularly for those experiencing memory concerns or cognitive changes. Research has shown promising results using a natural approach that helps your brain work more efficiently.

The Brain's Energy Challenge

Your brain is an energy-hungry organ, using about 20% of your body's fuel despite being only 2% of your body weight. Normally, your brain runs primarily on glucose (sugar) from the foods you eat. However, as we age or when certain conditions like Alzheimer's disease develop, the brain can lose its ability to use glucose efficiently. Think of it like a car that's having trouble using regular gasoline - the engine still works, but it needs a different type of fuel.

Enter Ketones: Your Brain's Alternative Fuel

Fortunately, your brain has a backup fuel system: ketones. Ketones are natural compounds your body produces when it breaks down fat for energy. The remarkable thing is that even when the brain struggles to use glucose, it can often still use ketones effectively. This is why ketones have shown real promise in supporting cognitive function.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that when people with memory problems use ketones as brain fuel, many experience improvements in cognitive function. This isn't just theory - it's been measured in real patients with real results.

Two Pathways to Ketones

I want to introduce you to two evidence-based approaches for increasing ketones to support your brain health. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and support system.

Option 1: MCT Oil Supplementation

MCT stands for "medium-chain triglycerides" - a special type of fat found naturally in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. When you consume MCT oil, your liver quickly converts it into ketones that your brain can use for fuel.

The advantages of MCT oil:

• Simple to add to your current diet 
• Works within 1-3 hours of taking it 
• No major lifestyle changes required 
• The approach used in clinical studies showing cognitive benefit 
• Easy to adjust the dose to your needs 

How to use it:

 Start with one teaspoon per day, mixed into coffee, smoothies, or salad dressing. Gradually increase over several weeks to 2-3 tablespoons daily. Some people experience digestive upset if they increase too quickly, so patience is important. Taking it with food often helps minimize any stomach discomfort. This is in the office as Brain Boost.

Option 2: Ketogenic Diet

A ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating approach that shifts your body into producing ketones naturally throughout the day. This typically means eating meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, seeds, low-carb vegetables, and healthy fats while eliminating bread, pasta, rice, sugar, and starchy foods.

The advantages of a ketogenic diet:

• Produces higher and more sustained ketone levels 
• May provide additional health benefits beyond brain support 
• No supplements needed 
• Can be very satisfying with reduced hunger
• Well established as an optimum weight loss aid 

The challenges:

• Requires significant dietary changes and planning 
• Takes time to learn and adapt 
• Works best with family support or a dedicated caregiver 
• Needs more monitoring and guidance 

A Middle Path

Some patients find success combining both approaches - following a lower-carbohydrate diet while also using MCT oil. The MCT oil helps stimulate the ketone production pathways in the liver making it easier to get into the ketogenic state than diet alone.

Measuring Your Success: Ketone Monitoring

One of the most empowering aspects of this approach is that you can actually measure whether it's working. Just as people with diabetes check their blood sugar, you can check your ketone levels to ensure you're producing the ketones your brain needs.

There are several ways to measure ketones:

Breath meters measure acetone (a type of ketone) in your breath - no finger pricks required. These devices are reusable and great for tracking trends over time.

Blood meters provide the most accurate measurement of beta-hydroxybutyrate (the main ketone your body produces). They require a finger stick and test strips.

Urine strips are the least expensive option but become less accurate over time as your body adapts.

For most people, I recommend breath ketone monitoring as a practical way to track your progress and confirm that your MCT oil or dietary changes are producing ketones.

What to Expect

The goal is to achieve mild ketosis - enough ketones to support brain function without the higher levels needed for other medical purposes. You're looking for consistent, sustainable elevation rather than extreme numbers.

Most people notice:

• Ketone levels rising within 1-3 hours after taking MCT oil 
• Better mental clarity and focus 
• More stable energy throughout the day 
• Gradual improvements in cognitive function over weeks to months 

The Bottom Line

Supporting brain health doesn't have to be complicated. Whether through simple MCT oil supplementation or a more comprehensive dietary approach, providing your brain with ketones offers a scientifically-supported way to help maintain and potentially improve cognitive function.

Every patient is different, and what works beautifully for one person may need adjustment for another. That's why I'm here - to help you find the approach that works best for your unique situation.

If you have questions or want to explore whether this approach is right for you, please don't hesitate to ask questions at your next visit. Your brain health is worth the investment.

Take care,

David

Ellen

Everyone asks me how Ellen is doing. I answer that she is improving about 1% each day. Recovery from her level of muscle loss on top of her already existing left sided loss of function from her stroke 10 years ago makes recovery challenging. But each day we make a little progress. Here Ellen is practicing standing up with the help of a pole I set up beside the bed. I have to help her sit up and then pull her legs over the edge of the bed so she can face the pole. Then with her arm strength assisting her legs, she is able to pull herself upright for about 10 seconds at a time. Gradually this will build her leg strength enough that she will be able to stand up without the pole. 

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~David DeLapp

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