Alzheimer's and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginkgo is widely used in Europe for treating dementia. It improves blood flow
in the brain and contains flavonoids (plant substances) that act as
antioxidants. Although many of the clinical trials have been scientifically
flawed, the evidence that ginkgo may improve thinking, learning, and memory in
people with AD has been highly promising.
Clinical studies indicate that gingko provides the following benefits for
people with AD:
Recommended dosages for ginkgo range between 120 to 240 mg per day. Reported
side effects have been minor, but ginkgo should not be taken with blood-thinning
medications (such as warfarin), vitamin E, or a class of antidepressants called
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Preliminary studies indicate that the following herbs may also slow the
progression of AD and improve memory and behavior:
Although the following herbs have not been investigated in clinical studies,
a professional herbalist may recommend the following for people with AD:
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Small studies have shown that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS), a technique used in physical therapy and certain types of
acupuncture,
may improve memory and daily living skills in people with AD. Further studies
are needed to confirm whether acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of
AD.
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Alzheimer's and Massage and Physical Therapy
The inability to communicate normally with language increases anxiety and
frustration in people with AD. Using touch, or
massage, as a form of nonverbal
communication has been shown to benefit those with AD. In one study, people with
AD who received hand massages and were spoken to in a calming manner had a
reduction in pulse rate and in inappropriate behavior. Healthcare professionals
speculate that massage may be beneficial for people with AD not only because it
is relaxing, but because it provides a form of social interaction and a moderate
form of exercise.
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Mind/Body Medicine for Alzheimer's
Alzheimer's and Music Therapy
Music therapy, the use of music to calm and heal an individual, cannot slow
or reverse dementia, but it may improve quality of life for both a person with
AD and his or her caregiver. Clinical reports suggest that music therapy may
reduce wandering and restlessness and increase chemicals in the brain that
enhance sleep and ease anxiety. For example, people with AD have been shown to
experience significant increases in levels of
melatonin, norepinephrine, and
epinephrine after listening to live music regularly for a month. Mood also
improved after listening to the music.
Alzheimer's and Support for the Caregiver
Studies suggest that caregivers who receive emotional support tend to
experience an improvement in their quality of life, and those they are caring
for benefit as well.
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The following Ayurvedic herbs are traditionally used to treat brain disorders
in elderly people:
- Winter cherry (Withania somnifera)—demonstrates antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties in the laboratory; enhances the tolerance of
stress in animals
- Brahmi (Herpestis monniera)—improves motor skills as well as the ability
to learn and retain information
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Other Considerations
A person with AD can experience the following complications:
- Falls (from impaired coordination)
- "Sundowning" (withdrawal or agitation in the evening)
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Infection (from urinary tract infections or pneumonia)
- Asphyxiation (stopped breathing)
- Harmful or violent behavior toward self or others
- Suicide
- Poor health and support due to caregiver burnout
- Physical and emotional abuse, including neglect
- Coronary disease
There is no known cure for AD; the disease naturally progresses and worsens
over time. People with the disease can survive for many years, however. While
most people with AD die within 8 to 10 years, some live as long as 25 years.
Some people decline steadily during their disease, while others reach major
plateaus where their symptoms advance quite slowly. Men and people with a
long-standing history of high blood pressure are more likely to decline rapidly.
Additionally, the older a person with AD becomes, the more likely he or she is
to decline rapidly. An accurate, early diagnosis gives affected individuals a
greater chance of benefiting from existing treatments.
next:
The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease .
section table of contents
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6 .
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Reviewed: 03/2006
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