Medium-chain triglyceride supplementation and physical exercise for people with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (MA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in synaptic dysfunction and severe cognitive decline. Brain energy metabolism is compromised due to reduced glucose uptake and insulin resistance in the brain, aggravating oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. In this context, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) emerge as a promising metabolic alternative. TCMs are rapidly converted into ketone bodies by the liver, offering an alternative source of energy for affected neurons. Studies show that TCM supplementation can improve memory, reduce neuroinflammation, and modulate biochemical pathways essential to neuronal survival. This article reviews the biochemistry of Alzheimer's and the molecular mechanisms by which MCTs may attenuate disease progression, as well as exploring comparisons with other nutritional approaches. It is concluded that TCM supplementation may represent a viable strategy to slow the progression of the disease, although additional studies are needed to determine its long-term efficacy.