Alzheimer's Disease: Dietary Supplements, Herbs, Alternative Treatments - Ginko Biloba for Alzheimers

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Recommended dosages for ginkgo range between 120 to 240 mg per day. Reported side effects have been minor, but ginkgo should not be taken with blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin), vitamin E, or a class of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Preliminary studies indicate that the following herbs may also slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and improve memory and behavior:

• Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

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• Nicotine (Nicotiana tobaccum)
• Huperzine (Huperzia serrata)
• Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalus)
• Physostigmine (Physostigma venenosa)

Although the following herbs have not been investigated in clinical studies, a professional herbalist may recommend the following for people with AD:

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa)
• Guarana (Paullinia cupana)
• Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Alzheimer's and Acupuncture

Small studies have shown that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a technique used in physical therapy and certain types of acupuncture, may improve memory and daily living skills in people with AD. Further studies are needed to confirm whether acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of AD.

Alzheimer's and Massage and Physical Therapy

The inability to communicate normally with language increases anxiety and frustration in people with Alzheimer's. Using touch, or massage, as a form of nonverbal communication has been shown to benefit those with AD. In one study, people with AD who received hand massages and were spoken to in a calming manner had a reduction in pulse rate and in inappropriate behavior. Healthcare professionals speculate that massage may be beneficial for people with AD not only because it is relaxing, but because it provides a form of social interaction and a moderate form of exercise.

Mind/Body Medicine for Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's and Music Therapy

Music therapy, the use of music to calm and heal an individual, cannot slow or reverse dementia, but it may improve quality of life for both a person with AD and his or her caregiver. Clinical reports suggest that music therapy may reduce wandering and restlessness and increase chemicals in the brain that enhance sleep and ease anxiety. For example, people with AD have been shown to experience significant increases in levels of melatonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine after listening to live music regularly for a month. Mood also improved after listening to the music.

Alzheimer's and Support for the Caregiver

Studies suggest that caregivers who receive emotional support tend to experience an improvement in their quality of life, and those they are caring for benefit as well.

Alzheimer's and Ayurveda

The following Ayurvedic herbs are traditionally used to treat brain disorders in elderly people:

• Winter cherry (Withania somnifera)—demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the laboratory; enhances the tolerance of stress in animals
• Brahmi (Herpestis monniera)—improves motor skills as well as the ability to learn and retain information

next: Alzheimer's Complications and Prognosis for Alzheimer's Disease