Alternative Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, but medicines may temporarily ease its symptoms. By improving how certain chemicals transmit information between brain cells, medications may also help delay or even prevent further symptoms and improve quality of life for those living with the disease.
Medicines that target beta-amyloid protein have been shown to effectively reduce plaques of this substance found in the brain, slowing declines in thinking and function over time. Clinical trials have demonstrated this.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba has been proven to help those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. As a natural remedy, there are few side effects, and it also works by increasing blood flow to the brain – both which may help prevent memory loss. You can take Ginkgo either in supplement form or via prescription; over time these treatments will improve both health and quality of life.
But it should be remembered that two recent and largest studies conducted in Ukraine may differ from other studies due to having lower drop-out rates and being subjected to less influence by statistical assumptions used for last-observation-carried-forward analyses. Furthermore, patients in these two studies were younger with advanced disease severity as well as more likely having psychopathological symptoms such as depression or agitation than other patients and hence saw greater benefits than in other studies.
Researchers have recently discovered that Ginkgo biloba has an anti-inflammatory effect and may help lessen damage associated with aging. The extract of ginkgo biloba may increase circulation by dilating blood vessels in the brain, protecting arteries against atherosclerosis and improving blood pressure; its exact mechanism remains unknown; it appears to improve metabolism of the brain while protecting from neuronal death.
Studies have demonstrated that Ginkgo biloba may be more effective than placebo in preventing or slowing the progression of dementia. A meta-analysis involving nine trials concluded that ginkgo was superior in slowing mental function decline than its placebo counterparts; unfortunately these studies had different follow up periods and thus it is difficult to draw firm conclusions based on these results.
Ginkgo biloba can help alleviate anxiety and stress associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, it may reduce irritability and behavioral problems as well as treat high-altitude sickness and depression. It should be noted however, that taking certain medications with Ginkgo Biloba could increase bleeding or increase blood pressure levels significantly.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant and an essential part of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, which produces energy for cells. Additionally, it can be found in cell membranes and lipoproteins and appears to protect against oxidative stress by stabilizing glutathione systems; in addition to being present as a supplement and present in food such as salmon and tuna as well as organ meats like liver. Unfortunately due to disease or medications which interfere with its natural synthesis some individuals suffer primary or secondary Coenzyme Q10 deficiencies which result in primary or secondary deficiencies of this essential coenzyme Q10.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that Coenzyme Q10 can significantly relieve symptoms in those suffering from mitochondrial disorders such as ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and Huntington’s disease, including Alzheimer’s, dementia and Huntington’s disease. Furthermore, studies suggest it helps protect against heart failure while also decreasing beta-amyloid plaque accumulation in Alzheimer’s and delaying dementia progression; studies also revealed its ability to help animal models of Huntington’s disease improve movement problems and cognitive impairment.
However, more research must be conducted to ascertain whether oral Coenzyme Q10 can effectively treat AD. Furthermore, Coenzyme Q10 may not be suitable for everyone – pregnant women and children especially should seek advice before taking this medication. It’s best to speak to a health care provider prior to beginning any course of therapy with Coenzyme Q10.
Studies suggest that Coenzyme Q10 could prevent migraine headaches and lower blood pressure, as well as improving symptoms in people suffering from congestive heart failure, nerve problems due to diabetes, muscular dystrophy or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, CBD has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and protect against oxidative damage to the brain, while attenuating loss of mitochondrial function seen in Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. Studies on Coenzyme Q10’s effects in an APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer’s Disease indicate it could be an effective treatment, as beta-amyloid plaque reduction correlates with improved motor performance and thus is indicative of Alzheimer’s.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that has long been utilized to treat various illnesses and conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at improving cognitive function and decreasing effects of Alzheimer’s on daily life, with research suggesting acupuncture’s effectiveness at both improving cognitive performance and lessening effects of disease on daily life. Acupuncture may be used alone or with other therapies and works by stimulating neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and serotonin which play key roles in memory function and learning processes respectively; energy usage changes which helps reduce buildups which contributes to Alzheimer’s.
Studies demonstrating the efficacy of acupuncture as an Alzheimer’s treatment have confirmed its effectiveness, including one which showed acupuncture can significantly improve language and motor functions in people living with dementia in just one session. This may be attributed to restored synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus through acupuncture; results of such studies are encouraging, though more research needs to be completed to verify them.
One study concluded that acupuncture could help slow the progression of dementia in patients with mild Alzheimer’s, improving both quality of life and lengthening life expectancy. Researchers compared two groups: one received acupuncture treatment while the other took donepezil hydrochloride medication. Acupuncture treatments showed significantly less progression of dementia than donepezil hydrochloride; they also resulted in improved MMSE scores as well as ADL results, with no serious adverse reactions reported to date.
Acupuncture has been found to reduce symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, while also helping lower stress levels and enhance overall well-being. Researchers believe these effects are caused by its incorporation of relaxation, meditation and breathing techniques into its practice.
Acupuncture can be combined with exercise and diet changes as one approach to treating Alzheimer’s, though it should not be performed for individuals suffering from arrhythmias or bleeding disorders; similarly pregnant women should avoid this form of treatment as well as anticoagulants that might interfere with it. Yoga has also proven helpful as it reduces anxiety and stress while improving flexibility, balance, and emotional stability – additional factors which might influence Alzheimer’s treatment options.
Medical cannabis
Medical cannabis is a plant with compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system of your body, a complex cell signaling network found throughout all major organ systems including your brain. This complex network contains receptors and enzymes which work to maintain balance and homeostasis within our systems. Many studies have demonstrated the role of the endocannabinoid system in memory function; however, more research needs to be conducted in this area to verify these findings. Some researchers are exploring cannabis for treating Alzheimer’s and dementia; however, this approach may not work for all patients; there may also be alternative treatments that may improve symptoms while slowing progression of this disease.
Alzheimer’s is an irreparable neurological disease that gradually destroys brain cells and neural pathways, eventually leading to cognitive decline and mental disability. While there is no known cure, natural remedies and lifestyle modifications may provide some relief for its symptoms while taking certain supplements can delay its onset in those genetically predisposed to develop it.
Many herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and “medical foods” are touted as memory enhancers or treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias, yet none have been scientifically demonstrated to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease or improve cognitive function. Food can only be considered medicinal in the US if it meets specific nutrient requirements to effectively treat diseases with specific nutritional requirements.
One study reported that dronabinol (an FDA-approved synthetic version of marijuana’s main component), reduced agitation among Alzheimer’s patients by an average of 30% – more than current medications for treating it. As such, its authors plan on conducting longer-term trials and expanding the sample size; their results support medical marijuana as an effective solution to Alzheimer’s agitation related agitation while appearing safer than antipsychotics or some conventional approaches for this condition.