Natural remedies to help you deal with Alzheimer's disease

Here are some effective natural remedies for Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer s disease (AD) is part of a set of brain disorders called dementia. It is named after the German doctor, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first associated the symptoms of decline in memory, language and thought with physical changes in the brain of the affected individual. AD is a dreaded condition because there is no cure for it or even to reverse the symptoms. However, researchers have found that some remedies do help to prevent its development or at least, slow down the degenerative process.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids were initially believed to reduce the risk of heart disease; later, they were found to be protective against AD, too. These fatty acids belong to the class of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are found in the membranes around the nerve cells of the brain. They are believed to have an anti-inflammatory action that plays a protective role against cognitive impairment. Consuming salmon and tuna, flaxseed, edamame, beans, nuts such as walnuts and almonds, soaked or sprouted whole grains and oils which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids can therefore help in dealing with the effects of AD.

Dark Berries

Dark berries such as blackberries, blueberries, goji berries and strawberries are rich sources of antioxidants. Since AD is associated with oxidative damage to the brain cells, consuming these berries can help slow down the oxidative process and have a protective effect on the nerve cells. Add a handful of dark berries into your daily diet and you are likely to notice improvement in brain function.

Ginkgo biloba

A traditional remedy in Chinese medicine, Ginkgo biloba is receiving a lot of attention from researchers studying AD. Ginkgo is a plant extract and contains many different compounds that together exert an antioxidant and therefore, have anti-inflammatory action on nerve cell membranes; it is also believed to play a role in regulating the levels of important neurotransmitters and thus, has a positive effect on brain function.

Coconut oil

The brain cells of a person with AD cannot utilise glucose for energy; providing an alternate energy source can therefore help reduce the severity of symptoms of this condition. This is where coconut oil better known for its use as a cosmetic comes in. Coconut oil contains a medium-chain triglyceride called caprylic acid, which our body can metabolise into ketone bodies and the latter can be used by brain cells to meet their energy requirements.

Ashwagandha

Ayurveda has made use of the almost magical properties of Ashwagandha for thousands of years. Research now shows this herb to have not just adaptogenic properties that is, an ability to help the body cope with stress but also the potential to deal with the effects of AD such as memory loss. Interestingly, animal studies have shown that Ashwagandha does not act directly on the brain; rather, it increases the production of a liver protein that helps to clear the amyloid plaques that develop in the brain of the AD-affected individual.

Turmeric

Say turmeric and the first thing that comes to mind is its antiseptic and digestive action. Research has shown it to have a protective action against heart disease and some types of cancer. However, the pigment curcumin in turmeric is now also being accepted as a notable antioxidant with the ability to prevent the clumping of beta amyloids in the brain a process that is associated with AD. Thus, adding turmeric to one s daily diet can help slow down the degenerative progress of Alzheimer s disease.

Rosemary

The essential oils in Rosemary have been found to have a vital role in the brain s cognitive function. This can be attributed to the oil s strong antioxidant action as well as its ability to improve supply of blood to the brain. Rosemary is therefore one of the most vital herbs that can help to slow down the memory loss associated with AD.

Alzheimer s disease is a devastating condition because the physical changes in the brain produce symptoms that cause an irreversible decline in the mental function of the affected person. Often, this takes a greater toll on the caregiver than the patient. Using the natural remedies mentioned here can help deal with the degenerative process of AD and their regular use by normal persons may also have a protective action that prevents the development of this dreaded condition.

Disclaimer: These are only home remedies and should not be used in place of a doctor's advice. Please visit a qualified doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

You may also like to read:

• How to reduce your risk of Alzheimer s disease
• Could you suffer from Alzheimer s in the future? Take this blood test to find out
• Could a sleep disorder indicate Alzheimer s or Parkinson s?

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