Alzeimers and Dementia Ayurveda Alternative Treatment and Management

Nowadays, mental diseases are common in people, especially in old age. About 22 % of people are living with these diseases today. Ayurveda has extensively described and given various natural remedies to manage or treat mental health and neurological disorders.

 

Ayurveda and Alzheimers and Dementia Disease 

 

In Ayurveda texts, Alzheimer's Disease and dementia symptoms are referred to as Smiriti-bhasha (2). The Sanskrit meaning of "Smitiri" is memory, and "Bhramsha" is depleted. As per Ayurvedic principles, the main reason for Smiriti-bhasha is vata dosha imbalanced, followed by the brain's dhatu (tissue, cells) weakening and depletion.

 

Ayurveda explained brain health, nerve functions, and cognition is controlled by vata dosha energy. Vata also governs blood circulation and other moment-related functions.

 

Balanced vata at the cellular level not only makes cells use the nutrients to build tissues etc. but also helps to remove the wastes.

 

So when vata at neuron levels gets vitiated, it accumulates waste and toxins (ama) and may lead to AD or Dementia.

 

Below vata disorder in a chronic state become the precursor of diseases like AD or Dementia.

 

1. Chronic Temporal regions pains.
2. Chronic delirium or delusions or disturbed awareness.
3. Chronic stress and distress.

 

So chronic vata imbalances can lead to conditions like delirium or mental instability which, when left untreated, can lead to disorders like Dementia and Alzheimer's.

 

So to prevent Dementia in the future, we should try to avoid its precursors.

 

As per Ayurveda, some risk factors could lead to those precursors. The more we live with these risk factors, the more the chance we will develop the conditions like Dementia. Some of those risk factors are listed below:

 

1. Misuse, more use or less use (than usual) of sense organs- e.g. ear, which is one of the sense organs- more use, is hearing constant load noises or music or working in sound pulled industries. Excessive use of phones or talking calls is its misuse.

 

2. Constant incorrect shoulder and neck posture hinders the blood flow to the brain. So over time could lead to conditions directly related to obstructed blood flow to the brain. Constant cervical spines curve block the passages of blood vessels, lymph, nerves, etc. So the extra pressure on these parts and slightly affected blood supply to the brain can lead to poor brain functioning or vascular Dementia. E.g. constant bending of neck curvature while using a phone.

 

3. Incorrect way of breathing- proper breathing leads to proper oxygenation or feeding of body cells. Improper or half breath leads to malnutrition, weakness, and eventfully to vata imbalance.

 

4. Nasal blockages- constant phlegm, deviated nasal septum, inflamed turbulence- obstruct the oxygenation to the brain- cause lack of attention, poor memory, and alertness.

 

All these could lead to vata imbalance or nerve damage.

 

Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia

 

The usual pattern for the onset of Dementia is that there is first gradual loss of memory and cognition followed by loss of coordination of senses and physiological functions like thoughts and actions.

 

Some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia may include:

 

• Memory loss
• Behavior changes
• Difficulty in remembering the recent events
• Vagueness in conversation
• Loss of enthusiasm in daily activities, especially for which were previously enjoyable
• Delay response
• Taking a longer time to complete the routine tasks
• Forgetting the name of people and places, which were previously easier to remember
• Emotional unpredictability
• Inability to answer the questions and follow the instructions, which were very easier previously
• Social skill deterioration

 

Alzeimers and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) Herbal and Natural Ayuveda Management

 

Vata is dry. Following Ayurveda principles, Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) could be considered as dryness or depletion of nourishment of brain cells and tissues. In Ayurveda, the head region's internal and external oleation (with Ayurvedic herbs and oils) ion is mentioned to prevent any vata disease of the nerve cells. Simultaneously dry gut diseases like constipation (commonly found with AD and Dementia) must be addressed. Otherwise, the proper absorption and supply of nutrients from the gut to neurons may be compromised.

 

The concept of Ayurveda treatment for head regions disorder like- mental and brain disease, sinusitis, infections of the senses, hair fall, or early greying are:

 

1. To give oral brain and nerve-supporting herbs. The same herbs can be used to prepare oil for external treatments.
2. Nasya treatment- special disease-based herbs oil is given through the nose. The nose is a door to the brain- these herbs open the channels in the head, increase the oxygen supply, and improve brain functions.

 

Hyper-hydration of the head with oils (treated with herbs), e.g. head massages, Shiro Basti, Shirodhara. Vata is dry, so these oleation (snehana) treatments effectively pacify imbalanced vata.

 

As the oil is treated with many herbs, it increases the antioxidant functions. A study in Sri Lanka (3) suggested that herbal oil formulated correctly could be delivered into the brain cells by the transcranial route. Being nervous system contains lipid tissue, and herbal oil used is also lipid in nature, so it can absorb because of the rich vasculature of the scalp and gets distributed to different parts of the brain through the communication veins (extracranial or intra cranial), exerting its influence on other brain areas, like limbic system and hypothalamus.

 

Nourishment of the head with Ayurveda herbal oils, e.g. head massages, Shiro Basti, and Shirodhara, may offer some support. Vata is dry, so these oleation (snehana) treatments aim to pacify imbalanced vata.

 

Herbs for Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) are used Traditionally in Ayurveda

 

It's an age-associated condition that is practically very difficult to cure, so better to work on prevention or minimizing progression:

 

The following Ayurvedic herbs have been used traditionally to offer some relief in the symptoms of similar diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha). Their effects may be enhanced along with conventional medicines. The below-mentioned herbs are well known to prevent and stabilize conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Dementia when taken in appropriate proportion.

 

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Licorice works as an antacid and soothes the stomach and intestinal walls. It benefits people suffering from abdominal diseases, mental disorders and arthritic problems, as Ayurveda believes that the root cause of most diseases is an unhealthy gut. In Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha), it may pacify the vata dosha. Thus, it may improve the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and Dementia and may help to prevent further brain cell death.

 

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

The name Indian ginseng also knows it, which is beneficial for various health conditions. It may help with osteoarthritis, gout, mental stress, and infertility. It reduces mental fatigue and gives strength to the brain cells.

 

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

It contains natural bacosides and plant alkaloids, which can be responsible for its beneficial effects on mental diseases. It also increases and restores memory.

 

Turmeric (Curcumin Longa)

Turmeric contains some antioxidants, curcumin, and curcuminoids. It helps reduce the body's free radicals and improves immunity and overall health. It also reduces inflammation and degeneration of brain cells.

 

Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia)

It is an immune-modulating herb and enhances memory.

 

Jyotishmati (Celastrus Panculatus)

It enhances memory and concentration level. It is antioxidant in nature and has cholinergic activity.

 

Panchakarma (Ayurvedic therapies) for Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha)

 

The following Ayurvedic therapies have been used traditionally in conditions like Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) and may play a beneficial role in managing these diseases:

 

 

Shirodhara

Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy used for mental diseases. It involves gently pouring Ayurvedic oils or Ayurvedic decoction over the forehead. It helps with mental fatigue, stress, and depression. It may also be recommended for patients with Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) because it helps improve memory and behavior.

 

Nasya

Nasya is an Ayurvedic therapy in which Ayurvedic nasal drops are administered through the nostrils. It tends to help in neurological disorders and diseases concerned with the upper part of the body.

 

 

Yoga for Alzeimers and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha)

 

Yoga can also help prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) in healthy individuals. Pranayamas are breathing techniques used in Yoga. These techniques help rejuvenate the brain cells and improve memory and confidence. Yoga reduces stress, thus soothing the factor involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Corpse pose and Seated forward bend pose are very effective in Alzheimer's disease.

 

Regular practice of Yoga and meditation may (5):

 

1. Delay or reserve memory loss.
2. Increase sleep quality.
3. Improve physical and emotional energy.
4. Normalise inflammatory gene.
5. Develop spiritual wellness.

 

Lifestyle changes for Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha)

 

There are six pillars considered of a healthy brain. These lifestyle changes may help prevent and reduce the progress of Alzheimers and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha):

 

• Do regular exercises.
• Take a healthy diet. Include fruits and vegetables in your daily meal.
• Take a good quality sleep.
• Have an active social life.
• Do mental exercises to stimulate the brain.
• Do meditation for stress management. 

 

 

Managing Alzheimers and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) in Melbourne, Australia

 

The causes of Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha) are unknown, but in Ayurveda, it is linked with three-body humor imbalance in the body, mainly Vata Disorder. According to "Ayurveda texts", mainly Vata Dosha disturbance in older age may cause Alzheimer's and Dementia symptoms (Smiriti-Bhramsha)

 

If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you may contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners, Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini, in Melbourne. Both of our Practitioners are Qualified Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may contact us at "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic". People who can't reach us personally may choose online Ayurveda consultation. 

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