Alzheimer's Disease
 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is Alzheimer's disease?
- Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
- Causes of Alzheimer's disease
- Prevention of Alzheimer's disease
- Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
- Complications of Alzheimer's disease
- When to see a doctor about Alzheimer's disease
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
- Conventional treatment of Alzheimer's disease
- Alternative/complementary treatment of Alzheimer's disease
- Living with Alzheimer's disease
- Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease
Alternative / complementary treatment of Alzheimer's disease
People who have Alzheimer's disease (or their family member) must talk to their doctor about any alternative / complementary strategies that they are thinking about undertaking, before doing so. Your doctor will be in the best position to advise you if these strategies will help you. Vitamins, herbs, minerals and other nutrients can have major adverse effects if taken in combination with some medications - so always be careful and consult your doctor for advice before taking them.
Use these strategies here as a guide and work with your doctor (and possibly alternative health specialist) to find the best combination of medication and alternative/complementary therapy that can work the best for you.
Herbs
There are a few herbs which show much promise in delaying onset of the more serious symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and preventing the illness from getting worse for a longer duration:
- Ginkgo biloba - this is a herb used in traditional Chinese medicine (and also Western herbal medicine) which is known to have beneficial effects on circulation of the blood. Ginkgo biloba is also used to improve memory and other cognitive functions which means it could be especially beneficial for people with Alzheimer's disease. One trial showed no improvement in cognitive function, while other trials have shown some improvement; to determine if ginkgo biloba has any ability to slow or prevent the onset of dementia (specifically Alzheimer's disease), the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) USA is conducting a large trial to test this theory
- Huperzine A - this is a type of moss used in Traditional Chinese medicine, which has a potent alkaloid substance that is the active component. The active component in the moss is thought to provide the beneficial memory and learning benefits, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that Huperzine A has strong neuroprotective effects that are even more beneficial than the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor type drugs. In April 2004, the National Institute of Ageing (USA) launched a clinical trial to determine the effect of Huperzine A on improving cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease - this trial was completed in December 2006 and the results are yet to be released (as at March 2009). This study is being conducted to confirm (or reject) previous research which showed the benefits of Huperzine A on cognitive functions
Vitamins
There are a number of other vitamins which could be beneficial for people to either possibly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the first place or to reduce symptoms:
- Choline (or phosphatidylcholine) - this B vitamin co-factor is used by the body to make the fatty substance in the membranes of healthy cells and to ensure the membranes of cells can be repaired when necessary; one study showed that increased plasma levels of phosphatidylcholine were associated with a reduction of the risk of Alzheimer's disease by almost 50%. Other studies have shown that people with Alzheimer's disease have a deficit of phosphatidylcholine in cerebral-spinal fluid
- Folic acid - the B vitamin, folic acid is often in deficient levels in people who have Alzheimer's disease and studies show when the levels of folic acid are supplemented to normal, there was an improvement of cognitive symptoms
- Vitamin A - the antioxidant vitamin A may be required to reduce the amount of oxidative damage to the neurons, neurotransmitters and cells in the brain, which may reduce risk of worsening of symptoms
- Vitamin B1 - studies show that a possible deficiency in Vitamin B1 (thiamin) may result in increased accumulations of the beta-amyloid plaque in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease
- Vitamin B3 - studies show that a possible deficiency in all the B vitamins, including vitamin B3 (niacin) may increase the risk for cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. Studies also show that vitamin B3 helps to balance levels of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which may reduce some symptoms
- Vitamin B6 - studies show that a possible deficiency in all the B vitamins, including vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) may increase the risk for cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease
- Vitamin B12 - studies show that a possible deficiency in all the B vitamins, including vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) may increase the risk for cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease
- Vitamin C - the antioxidant vitamin C may be required to reduce the amount of oxidative damage to the neurons, neurotransmitters and cells in the brain, which may reduce risk of worsening of symptoms. Vitamin C may be also beneficial when there has been heavy metal poisoning, to help excrete the metals from the body
- Vitamin E - the antioxidant vitamin E may be required to reduce the amount of oxidative damage to the neurons, neurotransmitters and cells in the brain, which may reduce risk of worsening of symptoms. Vitamin E is also necessary as a vasodilator, which means it opens up the blood vessels to allow proper blood flow, which is vital for the heart and brain. Vitamin E also thins the blood, preventing blood clots from forming. Vitamin E is vital for heart health and for the health of the whole cardiovascular system
Minerals
There are a number of other minerals which could be beneficial for people to either possibly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the first place or to reduce symptoms:
- Calcium - the mineral calcium, may be effective in people whose dementia symptoms are due to heavy metal poisoning or who have been exposed to chronic and prolonged levels of aluminium
- Selenium - the antioxidant mineral selenium, may help to reduce free radical damage, that may damage the membranes of the brain cells
- Zinc - the antioxidant mineral zinc, may help to reduce free radical damage, that may damage the membranes of the brain cells
Advertisement
Other nutrients
There are a number of other nutrients which could be beneficial for people to either possibly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the first place or to reduce symptoms:
- Acetyl l-carnitine - studies show that the amino acid like substance, acetyl l-carnitine can reduce symptoms associated with decline in mental function as well as stabilising energy production
- Acidophilus - the probiotic acidophilus helps the bowels with proper elimination and may be helpful for some people who have digestion problems
- Co-enzyme Q10 - the nutrient co-enzyme Q10 has potent antioxidant activities, works to enable better functioning of the heart and provides more efficient energy transfer in the body
- GLA / EFA - this is a combination of the omega 6 fatty acid of GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which is found mainly in evening primrose oil and the omega 3 fatty acids of DHA/EPA, which are found in fish and walnuts. The combination of both of these essential fatty acids provide an anti-inflammatory effect and also boost the levels of essential fatty acids in the brain to help it function a little better (some research suggests that an EFA deficiency could be a risk factor for development of this disease)
- Glutathione - the potent antioxidant amino acid glutathione may help to minimize the oxidative damage to the membranes of cells, which may reduce risk of damage to the brain cells and reduce risk of accumulation of the beta-amyloid plaques responsible for the symptoms of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
- Lipoic acid - the potent antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid greatly enhances the immune boosting antioxidant activity of other vitamins and minerals. Research suggests that there is a relationship between higher antioxidant intake with lower risk for developing Alzheimer's disease
- Omega 3 fatty acids - these essential nutrients could be a key nutrient to stop the development of Alzheimer's disease in the first place. The membranes of all healthy brain cells contain the omega 3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid or DHA). Promising research shows that having enough omega 3 fatty acids (especially of the DHA type) prevents dementia and decline in cognition (memory), while other research recommends eating at least 2 servings of omega 3 rich salmon, mackerel or turn each week to get the benefits of these essential fatty acids in the most natural way possible (without supplements)
- Phosphatidylserine - this is a type of fatty substance which is found in the membranes of all healthy cells. Research has shown that it helps with preventing further decline in mental and cognitive symptoms by preventing deteriorating of the brain cells, but more research is needed to confirm these preliminary results
- Taurine - the amino acid taurine may be helpful for the liver to detoxify from excess sulphate metabolism
- Tryptophan - the amino acid tryptophan is the precursor for the important neurotransmitter, serotonin, which is required to help control and regulate mood and as serotonin levels may be lower than normal, adequate amounts of tryptophan must be included in the diet. Foods rich in tryptophan are: warm milk, bananas, turkey
- Tyrosine - the amino acid tyrosine is the precursor for the important neurotransmitter dopamine, which is also required to control and regulate mood. In people with Alzheimer's disease, dopamine levels may be much lower than normal, so adequate amounts of tyrosine must be included in the diet to boost dopamine levels. Foods rich in tyrosine are: all cheeses (cow, goat and cheese), tuna, halibut
Dietary modifications
There are a number of dietary modifications that may help manage symptoms:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables - research show that fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in many nutrients, especially antioxidants, which may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease from occurring in the first place, by removing the potential oxidative damage that may occur by free radicals to the body. In addition to this, the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may help to reduce the levels of homocysteine in the blood, which may be a risk factors for Alzheimer's disease
- Eat more garlic and onions - research shows that garlic and onions (but especially garlic) may help to thin the blood, prevent clots and ensure better blood circulation and a healthier heart. As heart health is directly linked to brain health, having a healthy heart and circulatory system may significantly reduce risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
- Eat more ginger - studies show ginger helps to reduce inflammation in the body and it also helps to ensure proper circulation, which means ginger may help to reduce the risk of beta-amyloid plaques forming in brain. Ginger is best used fresh in cooking or in smoothies and juices
- Eat more legumes and wholegrains - legumes such as chickpeas, soy and beans provide good amounts of protein (especially when they are combined properly), many nutrients, antioxidants and with very little saturated fat
- Include some lecithin in the diet - lecithin is synthesised into choline and then into acetylcholine, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for proper brain health and a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Lecithin is found natural in egg yolk and soy. Ensure the eggs are free range, organic and the soy is organic (and free from genetic modification) to get the most optimal nutritional benefits
Lifestyle modifications
There are a number of lifestyle modifications that may help manage symptoms:
- Avoid aluminium - this is because the food cooked in the aluminium pots / pans may absorb some of the aluminium and it is absorbed by the body. In addition to this, it is recommended to avoid fluids in aluminium cans that contain citric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid or lactic acid, as they can cause the aluminium to be more easily absorbed by the body. This means, all soft drinks, all cola drinks and even milk drinks are banned. Any further accumulation of aluminium may put a greater burden on brain of the person with Alzheimer's disease and this not the objective
- Avoid antacids containing aluminium - this is to ensure that the brain does not accumulate any more aluminium, which has a very adverse effect on the brain and especially so in people with Alzheimer's disease
Alternative treatments
- Acupuncture - there is some research which shows that acupuncture may help reduce some of the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease, but these studies have been small and not randomised, so more research is needed to confirm these preliminary results
- Massage - there may be some benefit in using massage as a way to reduce the anxiety and depression symptoms that accompany Alzheimer's disease
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 9: conventional treatment 11: living with Alzheimer's disease > Last reviewed: 7 October 2007 || Last updated: 12 March 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
