Alzheimer's Disease: A Severe Kind of Dementia

by Vaidya Karanvir Singh M.D. (AYU.) PANCHAKARMA, FAGE

Alzheimer's disease is one the degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia, accounts 60 to 70% cases. Dementia is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty in speaking, problem-solving, memory, and doing other cognitive skill, which affects a person ability to perform everyday

activities. The disease is first described in the year 1906, but pass 70 years before it gets reorganization.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE BEHIND THIS SEVERE DISORDER?

· This disease attacks the neurons of the brain. The protein fragment beta-amyloid accumulated outside and abnormal form of protein tau accumulated inside the neurons.

· Beta-amyloid interfering neuron-to-neuron communication at synapses and contribute to cell death, whereas, the protein tau hinder nutrients and other essential molecules transportation inside the neuron.

· Other brain changes involved inflammation and atrophy.

· The presence of toxic beta-amyloid and tau proteins stimulates the immune cells, microglia which try to clear the toxic proteins and debris from the dead and dying cell but unable to do and cause inflammation; and atrophy occurred due to cell death.

· One of the other main reason behind alzheimer's is the reduced ability of the brain to metabolize the glucose, which may start 20 or more years before the main symptoms appear. In the initial years of disease, a patient continues to function normally, but as neuronal damage increases, brain not able to compensate for the changes and exhibits subtle cognitive decline.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

Memory loss

It is one of the primary symptoms of Alzheimer, in which patients start to forget recently learned information, important dates and events, and family members or their names.

Confused with the place and time

Patients get trouble in remembering time, places, and seasons. Sometimes they forget where they are and how they reached there.

Difficulty in doing problem-solving

Some patients get difficulty in keeping track of monthly bills, counting change and in remembering simple recipes. They take much longer time to do such works than an average person.

Problem with writing and speaking

People with alzheimer avoid joining a conversation as they may get difficulty in speaking. They are unable to continue the talk or to get a problem in choosing the right work to speak at the right time.

Change in personality and mood

They become more depressed, confused, suspicious, anxious, and confused.

WHAT TESTS ARE USED TO DIAGNOSE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

A physician used the combinations of the test to evaluate the condition of a person -

· Medical and family history

· History of behavioural and cognitive changes

· Cognitive tests

· Physical and neurological examinations

· Blood tests

· Brain imaging

This disease is managed with introducing a particular course of medications, psychotherapy and occupational therapy. The medicines used for the treatment are associated with severe side effects and therefore opt for a safe and efficient option.

Ayurveda can play a significant role here. It is the oldest healing science which originated in India many thousand years ago and known as the "mother of all healing". It stemmed from the ancient Vedas and taught in an oral tradition by the master of their disciples.

Ayurveda concentrates on prevention and encourages health management with a balanced life, proper diet, lifestyle and use of herbal medications. As per Ayurveda, the whole cosmos is the mixture of five elements - earth, water, air, fire and space, and Ayurveda's three doshas are composite from this five element which is known for maintaining the body functioning. These doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha. Vata keeps the energy of movement, kapha maintain the body structure, and pitta maintains the digestion and metabolism.

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC CAUSE BEHIND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

Vata is majorly affected as it regulates the indriya (cognitive and motor organs), buddhi (intellect), and manah (psyche). Other doshas are also affected; kapha controls smrithi (memory), nurture dhee (intelligence), and dhriti (fortitude), whereas pitta controls medha (intellect). Therefore it is essential to control and pacify all the doshas with the implementation of ayurvedic drugs.

Chandigarh Ayurveda provides a reliable and efficient combination of formulations to combat the problem of Alzheimer’s disease

This combination is known as Alzheimer’s Go Kit

Brahmi Vati
Broadley Syrup
Manasamitra Gutika
Tagaradi Churna
Zandopa Powder

1. Brahmi Vati

This formulation is made from the extract of Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi). Brahmi is known for their neuroprotective, calming and nurture properties, maintain coordination between the neurons by improving mental clarity and memory. This helps to combat depression and other stress disorders.

Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet two times a day.

2. Brodley Syrup

This formulation is the mixture of various herbs which collectively helps to improve cognitive brain functioning and helps to fight against Alzheimer's disease. The herbs are Yashti madhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Dhania (Coriandrum sativum), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).

Recommended Dosage: Take two teaspoonful two times a day.

3. Manasamitra Gutika

This formulation is very effective against fighting the symtoms of alzheimer’s disease. These herbal tablets comprise ingredients such as Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Pippali (Piper longum), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rakta Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus), and Amla (Emblica officinalis).

Recommended Dosage: Take two tablets two times a day with milk or as directed by a physician.

4. Tagaradi Churna

This herbal formulation is prepared from the herb Valeriana wallichii (Tagar). Tagar is famous for its neuroprotective properties; it strengthens the nerves, calm the brain and regulates the central nervous system activities, thereby helps to provide relief from depression, neurological and psychological disorders.

Recommended Dosage: Take one teaspoonful two times a day.

5. Zandopa Powder

Atmagupta (Mucuna pruriens) is the herb from which this herbal formulation is prepared. This herb helps to normalize the nerve cell activities and improves the brain functioning; and by maintaining the overall performance of the nervous system, this herb helps to manage the Alzheimer’s disease very efficiently.

Recommended Dosage: Take one teaspoonful two times a day.

Other factors which are essential along with treatment to manage the conditions include -