Alzheimer’s disease is said to be a group of disorder including the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. Alzheimer’s disease is now becoming terribly common. As per estimations, there are at present 18 million people globally with Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a disease of the nervous system exemplified by loss of certain mental abilities. This loss is austere to affect the normal activities and lasts at least for about six months. The term Dementia deteriorates brain function that may result into loss of memory, reduced language skills, impaired reasoning and behavioural and emotional problems. As the disease matures, an individual loses the ability to carry out common tasks, to reason, and to practice judgment. Moods, personality and ability to communicate are also likely to be affected. People struggling with AD basically die within 8 years for their diagnosis. Few people may die within a year of diagnosis, others may survive as long as twenty years.
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive in nature, which indicates that symptoms worsen over time. Verbal difficulties are also common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. People suffering from Alzheimer’s often lose their sense of time and place- they may, for instance, get dressed in the middle of the night or walk off and get lost. New environment and new people may be confusing. The disease reaches to a stage where it’s difficult for the patient to be understood by others and to understand others, and in the terminal stage, the patient is bedridden. Free radicals are yet another factor in the development of tangles and plagues. Free radicals are very active chemicals that develop in the brain and damage brain cells. Sadly, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s. While, drugs can help decelerate the progression or relieve some symptoms and postpone the need for residential care. Other therapies and support are available too.
Causes
Exact causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not known yet. It is caused due to the loss of brain cells, and also changes in the cerebral cortex. Free radicals are yet another factor in the development of tangles and plagues. Free radicals are very active chemicals that develop in the brain and damage brain cells. Chemicals like anti-oxidants react with and destroy free radicals. Another factor is heredity. People with a family history of having AD are more prone to Alzheimer’s disease. People struggling with hypothyroidism or have experienced head injuries are also at relatively high risk for AD.
Symptoms
The foremost symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. Memory loss by itself is not a symptom that a person has Alzheimer’s disease. Certain memory loss is a natural part of growing old. During initial stages of disease, family or friends may witness changes in behaviour. As the disease matures, memory loss gets worse and certain people also have difficulty in learning new skills. Changes in behaviour and moods may turn out to be more obvious. Certain people become depressed as they realize what is happening to them. During the final stages of the disease, people with Alzheimer’s become more dependent on others for their care. Walking may also become difficult and urinary incontinence may develop.
Treatment
At present, there’s no cure and practically no medical treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Though, drugs can decelerate the progression or relieve some symptoms and slow down the need for residential care. A drug called cholinesterase inhibitors are used for people with reasonable Alzheimer’s disease. They function by lessening the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, levels of which are low in Alzheimer’s. At times, anti-depressant medicines are proposed to help treat the depression that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Certain people may also benefit from anti-psychotic medicines.
Ayurveda and Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Though, there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, Ayurveda has the knowledge to treat an Alzheimer’s patient.
Ayurveic treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is on its developmental stage. Vata disparities are common in old age. Ayurveda Alzheimer’s treatment is aimed at restoring vata balance.
Ayurvedic therapy starts with choice of a vata balanced diet. Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) powder with milk, ghee or skimmed milk as per the digestive capacity of an individual is the first and former re-arrangement in daily diet. This pacifies and inspires vata.
Oil massage daily prior going to bath is another essential part of Alzheimer’s treatment in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic cleansing processes such as panchakarma are not specified for aged people. Other mild cleansing techniques such as fumigation and enema are recommended to purify body tissues.
Nervine tonic such as brahmi, aswagandha are main herbs for Alzheimer’s treatment.