Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Naturally

Treating and Preventing Alzheimer's Naturally

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disorder that is characterized by the decline in intellectual abilities, eventually leading to dementia in elderly patients. The cause it not known, although it has been estimated 40% of people over 85 years old suffer from this condition.

Closer examination of the brains of people who have died from Alzheimer’s has shown a loss of cells that release a chemical called acetylcholine – the cells that are used for thinking.

The first signs of Alzheimer’s are loss of short-term memory for names and recent events. This then progresses to a difficulty learning new information, possibly eccentric behavior, depression and loss of spontaneity.

As Alzheimer’s continues to affect the sufferer, they will lose the ability to carry out everyday activities, questions will be asked repeatedly, and they may lose the ability to recognize friends and family.

Eventually nearly all mental functions will fail, a similar symptom to those suffering from multiple small strokes and severe alcoholism.

Natural Remedies for Alzheimer's.

Phosphatidyl serine (PS)
Phosphatidyl serine is one of the many substances involved in the structure and maintenance of cell membranes. Commercially made from soybeans it was asserted by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2003 that "consumption of phosphatidyl serine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly" and further, "consumption of phosphatidyl serine may reduce the risk of cognitive dysfunction in the elderly". Numerous studies back this up with evidence showing patients who took Phosphatidyl serine orally showed significant improvement in their symptoms.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is an extract from the Maidenhair Tree that only grows in a small part of China. It contains a special extract called EGb 761 that has been shown at the Psychiatry Department at the National Medical University, Kyiv in the Ukraine to have demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive functioning and behavioral symptoms in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s. Further studies have also concluded that the Ginkgo biloba special extract EGb 761 seems to produce neuro-protective effects in neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is an extract from the periwinkle plant (vinca minor), a herb that is known to help improve the flow of oxygen and blood, particularly in cerebral veins. Studies have reported the enhanced cerebral blood-flow particularly helps alleviate neuro-disorders like Alzheimer’s.
More information and vinpocetine product listing is available at Bodybuilding.com

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm, a fairly tall herb, also native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region and often used in teas, is another natural remedy that is also helpful for Alzheimer’s sufferers. A study at the Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran has shown that Melissa officinalis (an extract from the lemon balm plant) can help in the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s. Further studies have shown it can also improve quality of life for patients, which can only be beneficial to them and their families.

Music Therapy
Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of music therapy in Alzheimer's patients. In a study of 32 apathetic participants with moderate to severe dementia, 69% of the group demonstrated a positive response to live music, with prerecorded music being less beneficial.

However, prerecorded music can be of great benefit as other studies have shown. A significant decrease in aggressive behavior during bathing episodes was noted when music was played, 12 out of 15 Alzheimer's patients demonstrated a decrease in aggressive behavior.

In another study involving 28 participants, an increase in positive social behavior and a decrease in negative behavior were observed when music was played.
The School of Music at the University of Western Australia has reported a traceable development in the alertness of Alzheimer's patients in a group-singing project.

Acetyl-l-carnitine
Commonly used to help angina, heart failure and other heart conditions, Carnitine is a vitamin-like substance taken orally. A special form of carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, has been extensively tested for the treatment of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Beneficial effects have been noted on both the clinical scales and the psychometric tests, showing that consumption of acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown to contain neuro-biological properties – basically this means it can slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s.

Choline
A naturally occurring compound, Choline is part of the B Vitamin group and has been shown to consistently help slow the progress of Alzheimer's and improve neurol functioning of suffers.

Sage
Sage is a low-growing, fairly small evergreen shrub with grey colored leaves, woody stems and purple flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, sage is often cultivated to add flavour to food and for its medicinal properties. Sage has been used as herb for many centuries, because it contains a number of helpful properties: it is an antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiseptic. It can also help reduce inflammation and be used as a laxative and a stimulant to help with digestion. For Alzheimer’s, sage is highly beneficial, and in studies has been shown to stimulate cognitive functions of patients.

Huperzine A
Another organic extract, Huperzine A has been used in China for centuries for the treatment of swelling, fever and blood disorders. Recent trials have also indicated it may be useful for treating patients suffering from neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E)
There is evidence that vitamins that increase the levels of brain catecholamines and protect against oxidative damage may reduce the neuronal damage and slow the progression of Alzheimer's.

Researchers at the Department of Neurology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons found that in patients with moderately severe impairment from Alzheimer's, treatment with vitamin E slows the progression of disease.

References:
1. Cenacchi T, Bertoldin T, Farina C, Fiori MG, Crepaldi G. Cognitive decline in the elderly: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study on efficacy of phosphatidylserine administration. Aging (Milano). 1993 Apr;5(2):123-33. PMID: 8323999.
2. Delwaide PJ, Gyselynck-Mambourg AM, Hurlet A, Ylieff M. Double-blind randomized controlled study of phosphatidylserine in senile demented patients. Acta Neurol Scand. 1986 Feb;73(2):136-40. PMID: 3518329.
3. Engel RR, Satzger W, Günther W, Kathmann N, Bove D, Gerke S, Münch U, Hippius H. Double-blind cross-over study of phosphatidylserine vs. placebo in patients with early dementia of the Alzheimer type. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 1992 Jun;2(2):149-55. PMID: 1633433.
4. Napryeyenko O, Borzenko I; GINDEM-NP Study Group. Ginkgo biloba special extract in dementia with neuropsychiatric features. A randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Arzneimittelforschung. 2007;57(1):4-11. PMID: 17341003.
5. Mazza M, Capuano A, Bria P, Mazza S. Ginkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Eur J Neurol. 2006 Sep;13(9):981-5. PMID: 16930364.
6. Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, Itil TM, Freedman AM, Schatzberg AF. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA. 1997 Oct 22-29;278(16):1327-32. PMID: 9343463.
7. Scripnikov A, Khomenko A, Napryeyenko O; GINDEM-NP Study Group. Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: findings from a randomised controlled trial. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2007;157(13-14):295-300. PMID: 17704975.
8. Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R. Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 Mar;18(2):61-71. PMID: 12598816.
9. Carta A, Calvani M. Acetyl-L-carnitine: a drug able to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease? Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991;640:228-32. PMID: 1776743.
10. Pettegrew JW, Levine J, McClure RJ. Acetyl-L-carnitine physical-chemical, metabolic, and therapeutic properties: relevance for its mode of action in Alzheimer's disease and geriatric depression. Mol Psychiatry. 2000 Nov;5(6):616-32. PMID: 11126392.
11. Brooks JO 3rd, Yesavage JA, Carta A, Bravi D. Acetyl L-carnitine slows decline in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease: a reanalysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the trilinear approach. Int Psychogeriatr. 1998 Jun;10(2):193-203. PMID: 9677506.
12. Thal LJ, Carta A, Clarke WR, Ferris SH, Friedland RP, Petersen RC, Pettegrew JW, Pfeiffer E, Raskind MA, Sano M, Tuszynski MH, Woolson RF. A 1-year multicenter placebo-controlled study of acetyl-L-carnitine in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Neurology. 1996 Sep;47(3):705-11. PMID: 8797468.
13. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2003 Feb;28(1):53-9. PMID: 12605619.
14. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003 Jul;74(7):863-6. PMID: 12810768.
15. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003 Jul;74(7):863-6. PMID: 12810768.
16. Sano M, Ernesto C, Thomas RG, Klauber MR, Schafer K, Grundman M, Woodbury P, Growdon J, Cotman CW, Pfeiffer E, Schneider LS, Thal LJ. A controlled trial of selegiline, alpha-tocopherol, or both as treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study. N Engl J Med. 1997 Apr 24;336(17):1216-22. PMID: 9110909.
17. De Jesus Moreno Moreno M. Cognitive improvement in mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia after treatment with the acetylcholine precursor choline alfoscerate: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Ther. 2003 Jan;25(1):178-93. PMID: 12637119.
18. Xu SS, Gao ZX, Weng Z, Du ZM, Xu WA, Yang JS, Zhang ML, Tong ZH, Fang YS, Chai XS. Efficacy of tablet huperzine-A on memory, cognition, and behavior in Alzheimer's disease. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1995 Sep;16(5):391-5. PMID: 8701750.
19. Hindmarch I, Fuchs HH, Erzigkeit H. Efficacy and tolerance of vinpocetine in ambulant patients suffering from mild to moderate organic psychosyndromes. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1991 Spring;6(1):31-43. PMID: 2071888.
20. Ziv N, Granot A, Hai S, Dassa A, Haimov I. The effect of background stimulative music on behavior in Alzheimer's patients. J Music Ther. 2007 Winter;44(4):329-43. PMID: 17997624.
21. Bannan N, Montgomery-Smith C. 'Singing for the brain': reflections on the human capacity for music arising from a pilot study of group singing with Alzheimer's patients. J R Soc Health. 2008 Mar;128(2):73-8. PMID: 18402177.
22. Holmes C, Knights A, Dean C, Hodkinson S, Hopkins V. Keep music live: music and the alleviation of apathy in dementia subjects. Int Psychogeriatr. 2006 Dec;18(4):623-30. PMID: 16805928.
23. Clark ME, Lipe AW, Bilbrey M. Use of music to decrease aggressive behaviors in people with dementia. J Gerontol Nurs. 1998 Jul;24(7):10-7. PMID: 9801526.
24. Image by gregR.

The Association between Smoking and Alzheimer's Risk

Some studies have suggested a protective effect of smoking on Alzheimer's. Meta-analyses of case-control and cohort studies to investigate the risk of Alzheimer's associated with smoking found

Scientist Develops Blood Test to Predict Chances of Dementia

After Alzheimer's, frontal lobe dementia (FTD) is the form of dementia that occurs most frequently in patients younger than 65. In FTD, the disease process starts in the frontal lobe where

Antibodies Could Play a Role in Alzheimer’s Treatment and Prevention

Antibodies to a wide range of substances that can aggregate to form plaques, such as those found in Alzheimer’s patients, have been identified in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of healthy

Test Developed to Quickly Assess Alzheimer's Treatment Efficacy

A test developed by scientists may help assess more quickly the ability of Alzheimer's treatments to affect one of the possible underlying causes of Alzheimer's in humans. Scientists are

Naturally Occurring Protein Protects Brain Cells In Alzheimer's

Memory loss, cognitive impairment, brain cell degeneration and cell death were prevented or reversed in several animal models after treatment with a naturally occurring protein called

Latest Health News

Mediterranean Diet Could Reduce Risk of Brain Damage

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

A Mediterranean diet may help people avoid the small areas of brain damage that can lead to problems with thinking

High Blood Pressure Could Predict Dementia in Older Adults

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

{loadposition cardio_ads} High blood pressure appears to predict the progression to dementia in older adults with impaired

Industrial Cleaner Linked to Increased Risk of Parkinson's Disease

Monday, 08 February 2010

Workers exposed to tricholorethylene (TCE), a chemical once widely used to clean metal such as auto parts, may be at

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Could be Increased by Soft Drink Consumption

Monday, 08 February 2010

Consuming two or more soft drinks per week increased the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by nearly twofold

Study Finds No Benefit for Marijuana as an Alzheimer's Treatment

Monday, 08 February 2010

The benefits of marijuana in tempering or reversing the effects of Alzheimer's disease have been challenged in a new