Can Ayurvedic medicine help cure Alzheimer's dementia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am seeking an Ayurvedic alternative for my 61-year-old mother. She has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia, as indicated by moderate brain atrophy on a CT (computed tomography) scan. She is also experiencing a recurring, lengthy four-month depression and stomach gastritis. Currently, she is undergoing treatment with conventional medications, but she is interested in exploring more natural options.

I have found Brento forte and Brahmi gritham as potential Ayurvedic solutions, but I would appreciate further advice given her current treatment. Her symptoms include depressive states, insomnia (she cannot sleep without sleeping pills like Imovane), mood changes, a sense of lack of purpose, and allergies. I am particularly interested in Ayurvedic remedies for early-stage Alzheimer’s dementia, depression, and gastritis (gastritis is secondary and is expected to improve in the coming weeks). She has a history of similar issues, with three depressive episodes occurring in the past five years.

Her current medications include Rivastigmine patches, Sertraline 50 mg, Tiapride 100 mg, Olanzapine 5 mg, and Zopiclone. Previous medications for similar issues were Tianeptine 12.5 mg, Diazepam, Metoprolol 50 mg, Midodrine 200 mg, and Domperidone.

The CT scan result shows moderate brain atrophy. Her height is 5 feet 2 inches and her weight is 143 pounds. I would appreciate your opinion on this matter.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query. Issues like Alzheimer's and dementia can be very challenging as they interfere with daily activities. However, Ayurvedic medicines can help manage these conditions and slow further brain degeneration. These herbs and Ayurvedic treatments can also assist with managing depression. I would advise against abruptly stopping your allopathic medications and switching solely to Ayurvedic treatments.

I recommend using both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines but with a time gap between the two. If you wish to transition entirely to Ayurvedic treatment, it is essential to do so under the guidance of a local Ayurveda physician or an Ayurvedic hospital, as ongoing supervision is necessary.

In Ayurveda, panchakarma therapy is used to manage conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression. Panchakarma includes several procedures, such as shirodhara, shiro basti, and nasya. Shirodhara and shiro Basti involves the use of medicated oils with various herbs for head and scalp massage, where oil is either poured continuously on the forehead or placed in a cap on the head for a set period. Nasya involves administering Ayurvedic oil through the nasal passages. The choice of oils depends on the patient's prakruti, which refers to their physical and mental constitution. These procedures can help in controlling brain degeneration.

If visiting a local Ayurveda physician is not possible due to COVID, you can manage the condition at home, but do not stop your allopathic medication abruptly, as this could worsen the condition. Your physician can later decide whether to adjust or discontinue the allopathic medications based on your mother’s health status.

Here are some recommendations for home management:

Brahmi gritham (containing bacopa monnieri, acorus calamus, convolvulus pluricaulis, and saussurea lappa) is beneficial for this condition. Administer half a teaspoon with lukewarm water before meals, twice a day, for two weeks.
Brahmi oil: Perform a gentle massage of her body and scalp two to three times a week, followed by a bath with lukewarm water.
Brento forte (containing ashwagandha, brahmi, mandukaparni, and shankhpushpi): Give one tablet twice a day with water after meals for two weeks.
Haridra (curcuma longa) capsules: Give one capsule twice a day with water after meals for two weeks.
Encourage daily pranayama (breathing exercises), regular and safe exposure to sunlight, and include coriander, garlic, cinnamon, black pepper, and coconut oil in her diet. These ingredients have antioxidant and other properties beneficial for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression.

Follow these recommendations consistently and consult an Ayurveda physician or me after two weeks for an assessment and further management.

I hope this information is helpful.