Understanding Alzheimer's From The Ayurveda Perspective

Alzheimer's disease causes dementia affecting memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgment. All the fields of medicine have been working on the cure for it but there are ways to manage this disease through Ayurveda.

Alzheimer’s is a disease that still does not have any curative treatment. The worsening of the symptoms can be slowed down, but the condition is bound to deteriorate. All the fields of medicine have been working on finding a cure for it and ways to manage this disease do exist, including in Ayurveda.

Alzheimer’s is a consequence of dementia, which as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), “is a syndrome – usually of a chronic or progressive nature – in which there is deterioration in cognitive function (i.e. the ability to process thought) beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It affects memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgment. Dementia results from a variety of diseases and injuries that primarily or secondarily affect the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke.”

The ETV Bharat Sukhibhava team discussed it with Dr. T. Sailaja, B.A.M.S MD (Ayurveda), Ayurcare, Bangalore and she says that Alzheimer’s is commonly an age-related disease and there are several herbs in Ayurveda, which are available for its management.

Herbs

Under Ayurveda, there are 4 major herbs, mentioned under the medhya rasayana. Medhya rasayana are a group of herbs, which improve the functioning of the brain by improving cognitive functions, memory, etc.

1. Yashtimadhu
2. Shankhpushpi
3. Brahmi
4. Guduchi

All these herbs have anti-oxidative and stress-relieving properties. They work in enhancing one’s memory and improving the retention power, i.e. the ability of an individual to hold and recall past and present experiences in their lives.

Ashwagandha

It is another powerful herb with various health benefits. The contents of ashwagandha prevent the formation of beta-amyloid proteins which form plaque in the brain, hindering its functions. It also calms down the Central Nervous System (CNS), reducing the stress levels in people.

Other herbs include

• Haritaki
• Jyotishmati
• Jatamansi, etc.

Apart from the herbs, other medications, available in the form of tablets for oral intake include Smruti Sagar Ras, Manasa Mitra Vati, Brahmi Vati. All these are to be taken under medical supervision only.

Oils

“Alzheimer’s is a disease related to Vata and Vata can also be treated with the oils” Dr. Sailaja explains. Therefore, these medicated oils can be used in the following ways:

• Nasya: A therapy given through the nasal passage
• Shiroabhyanga: Head massage with the medicated oils
• Shirodhara: Pouring of the medicated oils on the forehead
• Shirovasti: Pouring of medicated oils into a cap around the head and letting it stand for some time

All these have a positive effect on Alzheimer's disease. Here are some of the oils that can be used, as recommended by our expert. However, they are to be used under medical supervision only.

For Nasya:

1. Anu Taila
2. Shadbindu Taila
3. Vacha Churna
4. Badam Oil
   
   

For Shiroabhyanga, Shirodhara, and Shirovasti:

1. Brahmi Taila
2. Mahanarayan Taila

Badam oil can be used for nasya in general also, but it is always recommended to consult an expert first.

Therefore, although the research is still going on for finding a curative treatment for Alzheimer's disease, in Ayurveda, Ashwagandha has proved to show some curative effects. However, one of the best ways to slow down the deterioration in a person is keeping them relieved from stress and ayurvedic herbs and oils are very beneficial in it.