The Effects of Medium Chain Triglyceride for Alzheimer’s Disease Related Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: The current lack of effective drug therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has prompted researchers to seek alternative nutritional therapies, such as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). However, results are inconclusive. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize current evidence on the effect of MCT on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD. Methods: A systematic search was conducted up until December 16, 2022, to identify human interventions reporting the effects of MCT on cognitive functioning of MCI or AD patients. 995 non-duplicated publications were identified, of which nine (n = 10 studies) met the inclusion criteria. Results: Meta-analysis showed cognitive improvements in general (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI [0.05, 1.24]), but not in memory, language, and attention domains after oral MCT administration, compared to placebo. The effect of MCT was greater among APOE ɛ4 (−) subjects than APOE ɛ4 (+) subjects (SMD = 1.87; 95% CI [0.35, 3.40]). Conclusion: This review provides some evidence that treatment with MCT could improve general cognitive function in APOE ɛ4 (−) cognitive impaired patients. Better characterized clinical studies are warranted before making a definitive conclusion on the use of MCT for MCI and AD management.