What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that begins with memory loss and eventually leads to dementia and death. This disease affects four million Americans. It strikes about 10 % of people over 65 and about half of those who live beyond 85. While this seems like a daunting figure, it is important to note that researchers continue to find links between food, brain health, and the risk of developing this cognitive disorder, so statistics in the future might not be so grim. Scientists predict that in the coming years, these percentages are likely to rise. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. “Dementia” is the term given to memory loss when it is severe enough to impact a person’s daily living. Alzheimer’s causes a destruction of the brain cells that influence thinking and behavior. Unfortunately, it is a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time and there is no cure. While the exact cause is not known, it is suspected that oxidation can decrease mental capacity, including the ability to think, remember, and reason. Findings such as these suggest that dietary factors may influence and prevent Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s Disease is also known as Senile Dementia (Scientific Binomial Name), A progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions (Common English), (Unani), Bhulane Ki Bimari (Hindi / Urdu), Alajhayamara (Tamil), Smriti Bhransh (Marathi), (Sanskrit), Aljheimera (Bengali), Aljimars (Telugu), Aljhaimarna (Kannada), Alsimels (Malayalam), Aer ci hai mo shi zheng (Mandarin / Traditional Chinese / Simplified Chinese).
What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease targets a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is the seat of memory and intellect. In a person with Alzheimer’s, the neurons in the hippocampus become entangled. The resulting formations, often called plaque, result in the loss of brain cells, especially those that make new memories and retrieve old ones. And memory problems characterize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is a key ingredient to cognition and reasoning. People with Alzheimer’s often have a deficiency of Acetylcholine. DHA is the primary component of the cell membranes of neurons. It also promotes nerve transmission in the central nervous system and protects the mitochondria (energy warehouse of cells). Studies have shown that low levels of serum DHA are a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. There are specific nutrients that play a role in brain health and in preventing dementia and the development of Alzheimer’s. These include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins B12, B6, and folate.
Common Symptoms and Early Signs of Dementia
In the beginning stages of the disease, people will experience some mild memory problems. They may struggle with complex tasks like planning a party or balancing a checkbook. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember events that occurred very recently – say, the day before, or even just a few hours prior to the present time. Memory loss at this point looks more and more like dementia: affected people may not recognize others close to them or be able to recall appropriate words. Eventually, complete dementia sets in. Personal memories disappear and, with them, the ability to recognize beloved people and places. Functional memories also become irretrievable. The person forgets how to perform daily functions, which include getting dressed, brushing the teeth, and using the toilet. Hallucinations or episodes of violence often attend this stage of the disease. At this point, it is rarely possible for a family member or a close friend to look after the sufferer, who needs 24 hour day care. Other common symptoms includes memory problems, confusion and disorientation, mood swings, depression, paranoia, inability to manage basic tasks, inappropriate behavior, hallucinations and delusions, episodes of violence and rage or childlike passivity and dementia.
Alzheimer’s – Senile Dementia Home Remedies
The problem with experimental and FDA approved drugs is their toxicity which carry a potential for liver disease. Since the premise is to slow the degeneration of Acetylcholine and preserve what is already in the brain, there are herbs that can help. It just makes sense to look at herbal alternatives, specifically those herbs that contain compounds that prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Horsebalm, Rosemary, Brazil Nut, Dandelion, Fava Beans, Fenugreek, Ginkgo, Sage, Stinging Nettle, Willow and Gotu Kola are all beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Those herbs that can be added as dietary supplements are encouraged. Horsebalm helps to prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Add a few droppers of Horsebalm to a favorite herbal shampoo. Research has also shown that adding foods high in lecithin is promising. Plant foods such as Dandelion Flowers, Poppy Seeds, Soybeans and mung beans should also be added to the diet.
- Horsebalm – Prevent Breakdown of Acetylcholine: Horse balm contains the beneficial compound carvacrol, which Austrian scientists have discovered helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Horsebalm also contains thymol, which also prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine. Some compounds in horsebalm apparently can cross the blood brain barrier. Normally your body’s protective blood brain barrier helps prevent harmful substances in the blood from reaching the tissues of the brain. But because this blood-brain barrier sometimes works too well, it can also prevent helpful medicines from reaching the brain. The horsebalm compounds seem to cross that great divide, which means it might have some positive effects even if you use it as a shampoo or skin lotion. You won’t be able to buy shampoo that contains horsebalm, but it’s easy to make your own. Simply add several dropperfuls of horsebalm tincture to your favorite herbal shampoo.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplements: Fish oil supplies essential fatty acids for proper brain function. The omega-3 fatty acids associated with brain health are those that come specifically from cold water oily fish such as wild salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, sardines, and lake trout. Take a fish oil supplement as per your doctor’s advice. A different type of omega-3 fatty acid can be found in walnuts and flaxseed. This is converted to DHA in the body, the same fatty acid that comes from fish. While fish sources come more highly recommended when it comes to Alzheimer’s prevention, walnuts and flaxseeds are still healthy foods and can be considered a source of omega-3s.
- Ginkgo Herb As Brain Food: Ginkgo serves as a “brain food” and is a great memory aid. It also enhances vitality and improves circulation. I suggest gingko as a regular tonic herb for anyone experiencing memory loss or “brain fatigue.” In recent studies, it has been shown to halt the progression of Alzheimer’s when administered in therapeutic dosages (i.e., standardized extracts) over a period of time. Ginkgo must be used with consistency for several weeks before you will notice its benefits. It improves circulation to the brain, improves memory, and has antioxidant benefits. Use the standardized capsules or extracts when treating memory loss or early onset Alzheimer’s disease. To strengthen the mind and circulation, in general, ginkgo is effective as a tea, a tincture, or capsules. Consult doctor for appropriate dosage.
- Rosemary – An Effective Antioxidant: Some evidence suggests that oxidative damage caused by highly reactive (free radical) oxygen molecules in the body plays a role in Alzheimer’s. If that’s so, rosemary should help. It contains a couple of dozen antioxidants that is, compounds that help mop up free radicals. Among the antioxidants is a particularly potent one, rosmarinic acid. Rosemary also contains a half-dozen compounds that are reported to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Interestingly enough, aromatherapists suggest using rosemary oil for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Rosemary has a long history as a memory enhancing herb, so much so that it’s known as the herb of remembrance. Try rosemary shampoo, rosemary tea and rosemary in the bathwater to have anti-Alzheimer’s activity similar to that of tacrine or huperzine. Using rosemary shampoo regularly could conceivably help preserve acetylcholine in the brain just as tacrine does. You can buy commercial herbal shampoo that contains rosemary, or you can make your own by adding rosemary tincture to your favorite herbal shampoo.
- An Aluminum-Free Baking Powder: A growing body of medical evidence links aluminum with this horribly progressive destruction of the brain, which causes severe memory loss, extreme personality changes and the inability to care for one’s self. Aluminum is found in many things, ranging from deodorants, buffered aspirins and hemorrhoid preparations to baby food, baking powder, self-rising flour and cake mixes, processed cheese and nondairy creamers. Your chances of getting Alzheimer’s later in life can be drastically reduced by not using aluminum pots and pans, nor cooking acidic vegetables like tomatoes or cabbage in fluoridated tap water in any aluminum cookware. And also by using an aluminum free baking powder in recipes which call for this item. Some food scientists have estimated that regular commercial baking powder may contain between 7-11 % of pure aluminum in two forms, aluminum potassium sulfate and aluminum sodium sulfate, which can be injurious to human health over an extended period of time. To make aluminum free baking powder, mix two parts of cream of tartar with one part of baking soda and cornstarch. Blend thoroughly before storing in an air tight container to prevent moisture from getting in. Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate) is a natural byproduct of wine making, being a major part of the sediment left over. Arrowroot, the powdered starchy rhizome of Maranta arundinacea, may be substituted in place of cornstarch if you like.
- Brazil Nut – Natural Lecithin Source: In addition to looking into treatments focused on preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, researchers have also been studying possible treatments that will supplement people’s supply of choline, a building block for acetylcholine. Lecithin contains choline, and according to my database, Brazil nuts are the richest food sources of lecithin. Many other plant foods and herbs also contain generous amounts of lecithin. They include, in descending order of potency, dandelion flowers, poppy seeds, soybeans and mung beans.
- Ashwagandha Ayurvedic Medicine: Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum)is used as a brain tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. It reduces stress hormone levels. Consult your doctor for your appropriate dose.
- Improve Memory and Balance Stress: Practice yoga, pranayama and meditation techniques to keep stress away. Stress can worsen memory issues. Regular practice of meditation can help to manage stress issues.
Tips to Prevent Senile Dementia
- Use turmeric as a spice when preparing meals. There are several clinical trials in humans studying the effects of curcumin against various diseases including colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, psoriasis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin may inhibit the destructive beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients as well as break up existing plaque from the disease. Turmeric is main ingredient in many Indian recipes and research shows that India has comparatively less percentage of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Try including Fava beans in regular diet. These beans are quite rich in lecithin. Beans are rich in lecithin and choline and should be included in any diet, not just those for people concerned about preventing and treating Alzheimer’s.
- Go out of your way to stay mentally active. A study conducted on nuns, known as the Nun Study, found that those with the most education and language abilities were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. But what really counts is not the amount of schoolbook learning you did, it’s how much you actively use your mind. Doing crossword puzzles, learning a second language, or playing Scrabble can tickle your brain.
- Fenugreek greens are also a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that might also help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
- To improve circulation, increase energy levels, and detoxify your body, drink a glass of clean water every two waking hours.
- If you’re older, your digestive system may not be able to absorb nutrients as well as it used to. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices are easily absorbable and packed with the vitamins you need, so have several glasses daily.
- If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or are otherwise concerned about this disease, start taking diet rich in lecithin and choline.