ALZHIMER’S / DEMENTIA & AYURVEDA
By Dr. Suneet Arora, Ayurveda Physician

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the biological process that begins with the appearance of a build-up of proteins in the form of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. This causes brain cells to die over time and the brain to shrink.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, accounting for 60-70% of cases. The disease typically begins slowly, with early symptoms including difficulty remembering recent events. As the disease progresses, it can lead to more severe memory loss, confusion, changes in personality, and gradual loss of independence. 

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s / Dementia/ Smriti-bhransha:
Common symptoms include memory loss (especially for recent events), difficulty with language, reasoning, and judgment, changes in behaviour and personality, and problems with daily tasks

Alzheimers - Ayurveda concept
According to Ayurveda, Smritibhramsha (memory loss) is caused by vitiation of the Vata dosha. Vata Dosha is the energy that travels through the brain and nerves controlling both voluntary and involuntary functions.

AYURVEDA TREATMENT of Alzheimer’s/ Dementia.
Ayurveda Panchkarma treatments remain the first line treatment protocol here, along with ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulations that provide functional leads for Alzheimer’s and other age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, improving social behaviour, cognitive and depressive symptoms in Alzheimer patients.Medhya Rasayana (nootropic herbs) helps prevent further degeneration of the brain and helps restore neuronal health.

At Sampoorna Kayakalp Ayurveda, we do following Panchakarma Therapies for Alzheimers treatment.

Basti (nourishing enema):  With their tissue building (Brihngna & dhatu-poshak) properties, Vata-pacifying properties and neuroprotective properties, these promote nerve cells to regenerate.
Pizhichil (Oil Bath Therapy): 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 behaviour, emotions, sleep cycles, and other body activities.

Common Ayurvedic medicines used for memory Loss treatment in Ayurveda

Classical formulations as Smriti-Sagar, Vrihit Vata Chintamani, Swarna bhasma, Yogendra Ras, Brahmi vati, Sarswatarishta, Kalyan ghrit etc are commonly used.

Kayakalp MEDHYA KALP capsules/ Kayakalp Brahmi kalp capsules, Kayakalp SMRITI GHRIT with gold, Kayakalp SMRITI KALP Avleha with gold are very useful in delaying the progression and improving Quality of Life.

Common Herbs used for memory Loss treatment in Ayurveda

Ashwagandha (Withania s): 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 l): It contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 
Brahmi (Bacopa m):  Brahmi is used in Ayurveda to treat attention deficit disorders and memory problems. It also helps improve cognitive function and reduces stress.
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus p): 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 a): 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 Alzheimer’s treatment in Ayurveda enhances memory and blood flow to the brain. 

CBD oil is recently being researched in west in helping in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

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. Although many GHEE based medicines are given in Ayurveda treatment of dementia.
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. 

FAQs About Ayurveda for Alzheimer’s / Dementia

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.
Kayakalp MEDHYA KALP capsules/ Kayakalp Brahmi kalp capsules, Kayakalp SMRITI GHRIT with gold, Kayakalp SMRITI KALP Avleha with gold are very useful in delaying the progression and improving Quality of Life.

Is there any cure for Alzheimer’s in Ayurveda?
How to treat memory loss in Ayurveda?
Allopathy/ western medicine says there is NO CURE to this disease.
However, Ayurveda has results in delaying the progression, and improving the Quality of Life (QOL) of the patient.
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.

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. 

What are brain boosting foods?
Ghee, Eggs, almonds, leafy greens, olive oil, avocado, berries, broccoli, and other veggies are some of the best foods for brain health. 

Note:
Treatment kit for Alzhimer's disease & Dementia can be delivered to your doorstep after online consultation.
For online consultation,
Call 0161-5028269; Whatsapp +91 7589001373; e mail: [email protected]