Alzheimers treatment in Ayurveda can help a patient deal with the symptoms. Mild forgetfulness related to aging may be common. Therefore, if you have trouble remembering someone’s name but eventually remember it, it is not a serious simple memory loss. However, if memory loss disrupts daily life, it may be an early sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
What is Alzheimer Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking ability, and behavior. Also, it is most common cause of Dementia, which is a general term for a decline in cognition that interferes with daily life.
Key Characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s disease is progressive in nature as it gradually worsens over time. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but towards the later stage, individual lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.
- Memory Loss is one of the earliest and most common symptoms that makes an individual experience disorientation, confusion, and forgetfulness.
- Cognitive Decline impacts other cognitive functions such as problem-solving, planning, judgment, and language.
- Behavioral and Personality Changes
- Loss of Independence
What are the Common Types of Alzheimer?
Before coming to Alzheimers treatment in Ayurveda, let’s know more about the disease. Alzheimer is generally described in 3 types:
- Early-onset Alzheimer’s: People under the age of 65 are more likely to experience this type of condition. People are often diagnosed with this disease when they are in their 40s or 50s. Additionally, people with Down syndrome are more likely to be affected.
- Late-onset Alzheimer’s: People age 65 and older are most susceptible to it, the most prevalent form of Alzheimer’s.
- Familial Alzheimer’s: This is a rare type of Alzheimer’s disease caused by genetic defects that run-in families.
Based on the severity of symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease can be classified into three stages:
- Mild Alzheimer’s disease: Early dementia symptoms, usually no assistance is required.
- Moderate Alzheimer’s disease: Support is probably needed because the symptoms are difficult to manage.
- Advanced Alzheimer’s disease: All daily activities may require constant care.
Common Symptoms of Alzheimer
Alzheimer’s disease may not be noticeable in the early stages. Memory loss and trouble finding the right words for everyday things are usually the first symptoms. Other typical signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s include:
- Memory loss like difficulty remembering recent events or conversations
- May experience difficulty with reasoning, judgment and complex tasks
- Reduced ability to identify things or faces
- Difficulty with their balance or spilling things more often,
- Difficulties in writing, reading, or speaking
- Changes in personality and behavior
Causes of Alzheimer
- Amyloid plaques: Amyloid plaques are deposits outside of brain cells that hinder normal signal transmission between brain cells.
- Genetic Factors like Familial Alzheimer’s disease or the presence of Apolipoprotein E Gene.
- Neurofibrillary tangles: Neurofibrillary tangles are deposits that form inside brain cells that kill the cells by preventing them from receiving nutrients and oxygen.
- Neuronal death: The cortex, or outer layer of the brain, shrinks as a result of neuronal loss. The cortex is essential for judgment, language and memory.
- Age increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
- Environmental and Lifestyle factors such as head trauma or health conditions that can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain.
- Chronic Inflammation can damage brain cells and contribute in the formation of Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles.
Alzheimers Treatment in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, Smritibhramsha (memory loss) is caused by vitiation of the Vata dosha (movement force). Also, Vata Dosha is the energy that travels through the brain and nerves controlling both voluntary and involuntary functions.
Ayurvedic Panchkarma therapies and herbal formulations provide functional leads for Alzheimer’s and other age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Further, the treatment includes a combination of modalities like Deepana, Pachana, Virechana, Nasya etc. are useful in improving social behavior, cognitive and depressive symptoms in Alzheimer patients.
Medhya Rasayana (nootropic herbs) helps prevent further degeneration of the brain and helps restore neuronal health.
Ayurveda for Alzheimers at Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurveda Chikitsalayam
Vaidyaratnam Vrindavan Ayurvedic Hospital has been established by Vaidyaratnam, Kerala to provide comprehensive healthcare facilities to the patients in Baddi near Chandigarh.
The hospital is spread over 25 acres, located in the midst of tranquil settings, offering a relaxing and fascinating atmosphere for therapeutic benefits.
It is the ultimate destination to reconnect with yourself, rejuvenate your body and refresh your thoughts. Also, memory loss treatment in Ayurveda is among one of the best services available at VVAC.
Our Ayurvedic physicians, Ashtvaidyans (experts in the eight branches of Ayurveda), provide personalized treatments based on individual needs, ensuring optimal brain health and general well-being.
They emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and herbal supplements in promoting brain health and nurturing minds in Alzheimer patients.
We have a collection of over 600 different types of medicines, over 100 rare herbs and a range of medicinal oils from Vaidyaratnam, Kerala. We have decades of experience in treating chronic diseases and have treated more than thousands of patients suffering from neurological disorders.
At VVAC, Panchakarma Therapies Available for Alzheimers Treatment in Ayurveda
- Basti: With their Bruhana (nourishing enema) properties, they have great Vata-pacifying properties and neuroprotective properties, which promote the nerve cells to regenerate.
- Pizhichil (Oil Bath Therapy): The warm medicated oil poured over the body while massaging strengthens the nervous system. Additionally, it improves blood circulation and promotes overall health.
- Shirodhara: Shirodhara has a calming effect and is the best treatment as it promotes sleep. Further, it reduces stress and slows down the progression of the disease.
- Shirobasti: Shirobasthi with medicated oil is useful in improving memory, mental stability, reducing mental agitation and inducing sleep.
- Nasya: Nasya is the method of administering medication through the nasal cavity in many forms, such as medicated fumes, powder, or oil. Also, the nose is the gateway to the brain and helps control behavior, emotions, sleep cycles, and other body behaviors.
Herbs for Memory Loss Treatment in Ayurveda
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is widely used as an aphrodisiac, nerve tonic, and “adaptogen”, aiding the body’s ability to adapt to stress. It is classified as Rasayana (rejuvenating) and is believed to have antioxidant properties and help eliminate free radicals produced during the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Brahmi is used in Ayurveda to treat attention deficit disorders and memory problems. It also helps improve cognitive function and reduces stress.
- Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhapushpi has nootropic and memory-enhancing properties. Shankhapushpi is believed to calm the nerves by controlling the production of stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol in the body.
- Gotu kola (Centella asiatica): In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, Gotu Kola is considered one of the main rejuvenating herbs for the brain and nerve cells. It is also believed to have the ability to improve memory, intelligence and longevity.
- Ginkgo Biloba: The consumption of this herb as an Alzheimers treatment in Ayurveda enhances memory and blood flow to the brain.
Diet for Alzheimers Treatment in Ayurveda
- Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products with low fat, and foods high in lean protein.
- Limit the intake of foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Reduce your intake of processed foods that contain refined sugars.
- Use less salt and restrict high-sodium foods.
- Increase fluid intake by introducing foods with high water content such as soups, fruits, milkshakes and smoothies into your diet.
- A diet that balances Vata dosha is recommended which includes warm, moist, and nourishing foods. Also, Berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds help in the reduction of Oxidative stress.
Yoga for Alzheimer’s
Regular yoga practice is an excellent Alzheimers treatment in ayurveda and related cognitive challenges. Furthermore, gentle exercises like walking improve circulation and overall well-being that promotes mental stability. Not to miss that mindfulness practices and breathing exercises (Pranayama) calm the mind and reduce stress. Some of the Yoga Asanas are –
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)
- Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose)
- Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
- Sirshasana (Headstand)
- Siddhasana (Adept’s Pose)
FAQs About Ayurveda for Alzheimers
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Which Ayurvedic medicine is best for Alzheimer’s disease?
Traditional Ayurvedic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease often includes the use of herbs such as Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Shankhapushpi along with detoxification therapies such as Panchakarma. These are used to support cognitive function and enhance general well-being.
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Is there any cure for Alzheimer’s in Ayurveda?
Panchakarma is a special Ayurvedic therapy that aims to detoxify the body and help in rejuvenation. Alzheimer’s patients are often given Ayurvedic treatments like Nasya, Basti, Abhyanga, Shiro Basti, Shiro Dhara, Shiro Pichu and Rasayana therapy.
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How to treat memory loss in Ayurveda?
It is commonly known that the herbs like Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Bhringara, and Shankhapushpi might help with memory loss. Panchkarma therapies, practicing yoga, pranayama, and meditation help to manage your stress and anxiety.
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Can Ayurveda regenerate brain cells?
As per Ayurvedic text, Rasayana (rejuvenating herbs) like Amalaki Rasayana, Brahmi Rasayana, etc. help in rejuvenation and prevent degenerative disorders. Also used in Alzheimers treatment in Ayurveda.
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What are brain boosting foods?
Eggs, almonds, leafy greens, olive oil, avocado, berries, broccoli, and other veggies are some of the best foods for brain health.
