Herbs for Alzheimer'sAlzheimer'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:
Alzheimer's and AcupunctureSmall 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. Alzheimer's and Massage and Physical TherapyThe 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. Mind/Body Medicine for Alzheimer'sAlzheimer's and Music TherapyMusic 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 CaregiverStudies 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. Alzheimer's and AyurvedaThe following Ayurvedic herbs are traditionally used to treat brain disorders in elderly people:
Other ConsiderationsAlzheimer's Prognosis and ComplicationsA person with AD can experience the following complications:
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 top . pages 1 2 3 4 5 6 . send to friend . alzheimer's site map Reviewed: 03/2006 |