What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It worsens as it progresses and eventually leads to death. This disorder usually begins to manifest itself in patients in their 50’s. It begins with memory loss, trouble with language skills and increase into irritability and angry outbursts.
The degenerative nature of the disease leads to full blown dementia and loss of even basic motor skills.
Patients of this disease requires constant care and medical attention especially when the disease reaches in its advanced stages.
According to Ayurvedic principles, Alzheimer’s is caused as a result of the imbalance of Vata dosha in the body. In this disorder, the tissues of the central nervous system of the brain (mainly in the brain) slowly becomes imbalanced.
What are the causes of Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Age factor
- History of a head injury
- Family history of Alzheimer’s disease
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance
What are the early warning symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Loss of memory power which affects the normal daily life of an individual. Person may ask the same question or information. Repeatedly.
- Patient finds difficulty in accomplishing regular home chores and work commitments. Patients find it challenging to manage and complete routine tasks.
- Patients find difficulty in planning, decision making and solving problems.
- Patients are confused with places and timings.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Recent memory loss
- Thinking errors
- Difficulty to undertake even simple and routine tasks
- Mood elevations or fluctuations
- Sudden changes in the personality or behaviour
- Disorientation
- Poor judgment
One can help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by making necessary changes in the diet and paying attention to the natural herbs for Alzheimer’s disease.
Home Remedies for Alzheimer’s Disease are:
All the herbs used are scientifically proven.
1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
The key component of turmeric is Curcumin. It helps in warding off the Alzheimer’s disease.
- Several studies have shown that Curcumin is a good anti-oxidant. It has radical scavenging properties thereby prevents the damage that can be caused to the cells of the body by free radicals. Oxidant damage is substantially responsible in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- In a research, it was proved that turmeric extracts block the formation of plaques that hinder the brain function in the diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. This property of turmeric makes it such a powerful home remedy for Alzheimer’s.
How to use: Take a glass of hot milk and a tablespoon of turmeric powder. Mix well and drink turmeric milk on regular basis.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables:
Green leafy vegetables such as Kale help to keep the mental faculties sharp. Kale also helps to prevent the decline of cognitive strengths as these vegetables are the rich source of magnesium, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin K.
The role of Vitamin B12 is to decelerate the shrinking of the brain that is linked with Alzheimer’s disease.
How to use: Eat at least 2 servings of kale every day and include fresh green vegetables in the diet.
3. Blueberries:
The anti-oxidants present in blueberries protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals. The phytochemicals present in blueberries make it ideal for neuro-protection. Blueberries are a great source of anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins as well.
Blueberries also safeguard the body from iron compounds that can harm the brain and cause degenerative changes in the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease.
How to use: Blueberries can be consumed by making smoothie and drink a glass every day or eat blueberries as a snack every evening.
4. Green Tea:
Green tea is loaded with anti-oxidants so it helps in enhancing the power of brain. It also supports healthy circulation of blood to the brain. Polyphenols present in green tea slows down the process of neural diseases linked with aging. Drinking green tea stops the plaque growth in the brain which is a symptom associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
How to prepare: Boil a cup of water and add 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves. Cover the container and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. When it becomes lukewarm, add honey into it and mix well.
How to use: Drink 2 cups of green tea regularly.
5. Cinnamon:
Cinnamon has the property of breaking the cycle that leads to the formation of brain plaque.
- Cinnamadehyde and epicatechin are the two compounds that are richly found in cinnamon. These compounds have an inhibitory effect on the aggregation of tau protein which plays a significant role in the structure and function of neurons.
- Cinnamon is also considered as an anti-inflammatory herb. It also helps in reducing the inflammation in brain that might lead to memory loss.
- Cinnamon prevents Alzheimer’s disease by facilitating the healthier flow of blood to the brain.
How to use:
- Prepare a cup of cinnamon tea and consume this tea daily.
- The fragrance of cinnamon is very soothing. Just inhaling the fragrance of cinnamon improves the mental processes and enhances the brain functions such as: memory, attention, visual recognition memory and visual motor speed.
6. Coconut Oil:
One component of Coconut oil is caprylic acid. It is broken down into ‘ketone bodies’ which can also be used by the cells for energy. Hence, coconut oil is recommended for the patients of Alzheimer’s disease.
Include coconut oil in the diet. It can be used in cooking.
7. Omega-3 fatty acids:
In a study, it was found that regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids reduced the cognitive impairment. Omega 3 fatty acids are found in nuts, fish and oils.
Diet: Diet plays a major role in preventing the damage to neurons in the brain.
- Consume foods that are rich in magnesium such as bananas, green leafy vegetables such as: spinach, legumes, nuts and seeds, asparagus, sprouts.
- Optimize Vitamin D levels by safe sun exposure.
- Consume nutritious diet rich in folate such as asparagus, legumes, citrus fruits, broccoli, and beets.
- Regular intake of high quality animal-based omega-3 fats such as krill oil.
- Avoid aluminium and its derivatives.
- Avoid flu vaccinations as most of them contain mercury and aluminium as common ingredients.
Questions:
- What is the Ayurvedic concept of Alzheimer’s?
- Are the health benefits of herbs scientifically proven?
- How turmeric helps in Alzheimer’s disease?
- Does diet play an important role in Alzheimer’s disease?
Author Bio:
DR. Vikram Chauhan, MD – AYURVEDA is an expert Ayurvedic practitioner based in Chandigarh, India and doing his practice in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda Ancient healing treatment, not only in India but also abroad. He is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic and Krishna Herbal Company
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