Over the past few decades the average life span in the United States has increased. So too has the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. It is the most common cause of intellectual decline and dementia in older Americans today.  It affects an estimated 8% to 15% of people over the age of 65 and nearly half over age 85. This translates into a whopping 10 out of 100 people over the age of sixty five. In most cases of Alzheimer’s the disease is diagnosed by a physician only after a friend or family member observes signs of memory loss and impairment.  This condition affects women more often than men and results in the loss of mental functions such as concentration, long and short term memory and the ability to learn.

Most of the people reading this article are already asking the question what can be done for someone who already has Alzheimer's disease. The recent admission by the FDA administration that the one government approved drug (Hydergine) for the treatment of Alzheimer's has been found to be ineffective has many people turning to alternative therapies for answers and hope. Unfortunately there is no known cure for this debilitating disease, natural or otherwise.  This being said there are many steps that can be taken to help Alzheimer's patients retard the progression of the disease.  Acupuncture and natural medicine can help people who are suffering from the very early stages of Alzheimer's delay the development of symptoms. All the therapies listed below address the various causes and symptoms of the differing stages of Alzheimer's. These therapies are a beneficial to improve the weakened functions of the body and brain as well as staving off the degeneration of other functions.

• Aromatherapy &/or Massage – Several studies suggest that aromatherapy and massage therapy has been shown to reduce agitated or restless behavior and improves cognitive function.

• Tai Chi – Studies have shown that exercises such as Tai Chi promote Cardio respiratory fitness, increase balance and increase muscular strength may help delay brain “shrinkage” (atrophy) that occurs in people with Alzheimer’s disease. According to new study published in  Neurology  there is a relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness  and brain atrophy in the earliest clinical stages of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jeffrey Burns, MD, and his colleagues from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City. “Higher fitness levels in early Alzheimer’s participants were associated with preserved brain volume (less brain atrophy) independent of age and dementia severity.”

• Acupuncture - New research was presented at the 2008 World Alzheimer’s Conference that shows encouraging results using acupuncture. Two separate studies found that acupuncture can significantly benefit an Alzheimer’s patient. The researchers found that acupuncture increased verbal and motor skills. It also improves their cognitive skills and mood (see references below).

• Herbal medicine – There is evidence to show that Herbal medicine can be very helpful in slowing the decline in mental function that accompanies Alzheimer’s with the guidance of an experienced herbalist.  It is very important to consult with your personal health care provider as well as your natural health care specialist prior to beginning herbs to ensure that your drug herb interactions are going to be safe and effective. Medical literature is somewhat controversial on certain herbs particularly Ginkgo biloba. Some of the herbs and supplements that people might consider for the treatment of Alzheimer’s can act as anti-coagulants and cause bleeding in high doses. Especially in the patients are already taking anti-coagulation medications (including aspirin).  This being said there are other herbs that can help with circulation and retard mental decline such as the bioflavanoids found in certain herbs and berries.

• Vitamins & Nutrition – Recent studies indicate that taking vitamins C and E may help to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.  The best way to get the antioxidants found in vitamins C and E to the brain is to eat them in their original form. This means foods that are natural, organic and pesticide free. A healthy diet leads the way for a healthy body. The same is true for omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for optimal cell function that supports and feeds the brain. Eating one to two servings of fish per week, such as cod or salmon help to maintain the proper amount of omega-3 fatty acids your brain needs for neurological balance and maintenance. Fish oil supplements can also be added to your diet as well. Other nutrients that can be useful in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease are phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidylserine, and acetyl-L-carnitine, as well as the herbs gotu kola and butcher’s broom, Huperzine A, Coenzyme Q-10 and coral calcium.

For more information on the health care options available to you please contact East West Center for Natural Medicine 574-210-4982.

References:

1. Emerson Lombardo N, et al. Acupuncture to treat anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia: a pilot feasibility and effectiveness trial. Presented at the World Alzheimer's Conference, Washington, D.C., July 9-18, 2000.

2.  Kao H, et al. Acupuncture enhancement in clinical symptoms and cognitive-motor abilities of the Alzheimer's disease patients. Presented at the World Alzheimer's Conference, Washington, D.C., July 9-18, 2000.

3.  Al Gibb, H., Morris, C.T., &  Gleisberg, J. (1997). A therapeutic programme for people with dementia. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 3(3), 191-199.