Alzheimer’s Disease is a debilitating malady affecting millions and millions of poor souls world wide. Symptoms of this frightening disease include loss of cognitive ability, memory, and language skills. There is no cure currently, however there are treatments. The treatments vary across the globe, with Western world focusing more on prescriptions and the Eastern focusing more on natural treatments, such as supplementation and herbs. Read on to learn more about some of the herbal treatments that have been used to aid patients and why. As always, make sure to get professional advice before self-treating with anything, natural or otherwise!

Gingko biloba

Gingko biloba is an herbal extract derived from the gingko biloba tree. Numerous countries prescribe this with great success for the treatment of not only Alzheimer’s but many other age related and degenerative diseases. It has been used extensively in Europe for over twenty years. It is also in the top five medications used in Germany and France. Unfortunately, if you live in the US and would talk to your health practitioner or doctor about this treatment as an option, you are likely to get rebuffed, as the medical establishment does not widely recognize this or the other herbal and/or natural treatments available.

Gingko biloba’s effectiveness lies in it’s ability to do several things that enhances the quality of life in dementia patients. It enhances circulation to the body’s central nervous system, which is reduced more and more as we age. Gingko is also a powerful antioxidant, and the extract has been shown to stabilize the brain’s abnormal nerve communications. The counterpart prescribed in the West is tacrin.

Ginseng

Korean ginseng in particular is helpful in its’ ability to slow down the onset of psychological deterioration. Adrenal function can also be enhances, and as many aging adults suffer from this decline, supplementing with this along with gingko can be extra helpful.

Huperzine A, Kut, and Butcher’s Broom

Acetylcholine activity in the hippocampus and cortex areas of the brain affects memory, cognitive, and behavioral functions. This can be improved by a compound that is isolated from a Chinese herb, and is known as Huperzine A. Kut, which is a Japanese herbal formula incorporating thirteen separate herbs, can stimulate nerve growth and elevate choline acetyltransferase levels. Butcher’s broom can improve memory and stimulate clearer focus by enhancing circulation to the brain.

What to Avoid

Whatever course of treatment you choose for yourself or a loved one, make sure that you always let your primary care physician or provider know everything you take, supplement or prescribed. In addition, try to limit your intake of certain nutrient void items, like overly processed foods made primarily from white flours and sugars, or processed sweets or foods containing corn derivatives, such as high fructose corn syrup. Also, limiting your intake of red meat, salt, and fatty acids can help aid in slowing the progression of this disease. Limit use of metallic products, such as aluminum cookware, and watch out for non-traditional sources of metals, such as deodorants and antacids.