HomeAnswersAyurveda Specialistalzheimer's diseaseCan Ayurvedic medicine be taken instead of Allopathy for Alzheimer's disease with dementia?

My mother has Alzheimer's with dementia. Can I switch her from Allopathy to Ayurveda?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Alka

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At January 6, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 11, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am looking for an Ayurvedic alternative for my mother 61-year-old. She has been diagnosed with early stages Alzheimer-dementia after a CT scan (moderate brain atrophy) and a recurring lengthy four-month depression, as well as stomach gastritis. She is currently undergoing medical pill-based treatment, but the medication is chemical-based, and she would love more natural alternatives. I have found Brento Forte and Brahmi Gritham the go-to Ayurvedic solution but would like more advice based on her current treatment. More details about the presenting complaint are depressive states, insomnia, unable to sleep without sleeping pills (Imovane), mood changes, lack of purpose, allergies, etc. I am looking for Ayurvedic remedies for Alzheimer-dementia at early stages mainly, depression, gastritis (secondary as it will most likely be healed within the next weeks).

She has a previous history of the same issue. The most recent three depressive episodes are in the last five years.

Current medications are: Exelon-Rivastigmine patches, Sertraline 50 mg, Tiapirdal 100 mg, Olanzapine 5 mg, Imovane (Sleeping), Control (stomach gastritis). Past medications of the same issue are Coaxil 12.5 mg, Diazepam, Asentra 50 mg, Metoprolol 50 mg, Midora 200 mg, Motilium.

CT Scan result is moderate brain atrophy. Her height is 5' 2" (157.48 cm) and weight is 143 lbs (64.86 kg). Kindly give your opinion.

Answered by Dr. Alka

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query. See the issues like Alzheimer's and dementia are very hard to deal with because they interfere with normal daily activities. Still, with the help of Ayurvedic medicines, you can control the problem and control the further degeneration of the brain. These herbs and Ayurvedic medicine will also help in managing depression. But I will not advise you to stop your Allopathic medicine suddenly and start Ayurvedic treatment only.

I advise you to take this ayurvedic medicine and allopathic medicine but keep some time gap between Ayurvedic medicine and Allopathic medicine. However, if you want to completely take Ayurvedic medicine, then take management under the supervision of a nearby Ayurveda physician or Ayurvedic hospital because you need to be in constant contact with the Ayurvedic physician.

Also, in Ayurveda, there is a cleansing process named panchkarma therapy which is used to manage people with Alzheimer's, dementia and depression, etc. In panchkarma, many procedures are used to manage the patients, like Shirodhara, Shiro Basti, and Nasya, etc. In Shirodhara and Shiro Basti, ayurvedic medicated oils with various herbs are used for head and scalp massage, oil is being poured overhead for some time, or oil is placed overhead in a cap for a particular time. In Nasya, ayurvedic oil are administered through nasal passages. Ayurvedic oils are decided on the patient's Prakruti. Prakruti is a physical and mental constitution of a person. These procedures are helpful in controlling brain degeneration.

However, if you are unable to visit a nearby Ayurveda physician due to COVID, then you can take the following management at home. But do not stop taking your allopathic medicine because it can suddenly worsen the condition. Later on, your physician can decide to lower the dose of the medicines or whether to stop it completely after reviewing your mother's health status.

1) Brahmi Gritham (Bacopa Monnier (L.), Pennell, Acorus calamus L., Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy, Saussurea lappa DC) is good Ayurvedic medicine for this problem. Start giving her half a teaspoon with lukewarm water before food twice a day for two weeks.

2) Take Brahmi oil and do a gentle massage of her body and scalp two to three times a week, and after the massage, take a bath with lukewarm water.

3) You can give her tablet Brento Forte (Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Shankhpushpi) one tablet twice a day with water after food for two weeks.

4) Haridra (Curcuma longa) capsule which are made using turmeric. Give her one capsule two times a day with water after food for two weeks.

Promote her to do pranayama daily. Sufficient and safe exposure to sunlight regularly. Add coriander, garlic, cinnamon, black pepper, and coconut oil in her food regimen and use these things in her recipes because all these are helpful in Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression due to their anti-oxidants and other properties. Follow all these things regularly, and you will feel better results soon. Consult a nearby Ayurveda physician or me after two weeks regarding improvement and for further management.

I hope this was helpful.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alka
Dr. Alka

Ayurveda Specialist

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