There is no known cure yet for Alzheimers disease, but there are numerous natural remedies for Alzheimers that can be very helpful at treating the symptoms, and even slowing the progression of this disease. No one knows for sure the exact cause of Alzheimers, but research has shown that people with this disease have numerous nutritional deficiencies which show up consistently in patients.
For example, people suffering from Alzheimers consistently test to be deficient in vitamins B12, B3, and zinc. The B vitamins are very important for proper mental function, and it is common knowledge that the processed foods which we consume so much of in our society today are nearly void of these important vitamins.
People with this disease have also been shown to test low for vitamins A and E, the carotenoids (including beta-carotene), as well as boron, potassium, and selenium.
As a result of these things, one of the most effective natural remedies for Alzheimer's is a vitamin and supplement regimen which contains these nutrients.
It has long been thought that high concentrations of aluminum have been a cause for developing this disease, although more recent studies have been shedding doubt on this being an actual cause.
The brains of patients with Alzheimers disease have been found to have higher than normal levels of mercury. In almost all cases, the culprit was from dental fillings. A direct correlation has been found between the amount of toxic mercury in the brain and the number of dental fillings in the mouth.
Natural remedies for Alzheimers in the form of nutrients have been shown to be very helpful. For example, taking vitamin E supplements have been shown to slow some components of the disease by as much as seven months. Another natural remedy which has been shown to be effective is the herb ginkgo biloba. It should be taken carefully, though, as excessive doses of this herb can cause excessive bleeding, especially when taken with aspirin.
One study in particular showed that people with low levels of niacin (vitamin B3) in their system were 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those with normal niacin levels in their bodies.
A diagnosis of Alzheimers should not be taken at face value until a strong regimen of nutritional therapy has been tried. This regimen should include zinc, vitamin B3, and vitamin B12 injections. If there is a positive response to vitamin treatment, then Alzheimer's disease can be ruled out.
Butcher's broom promotes healthy circulation.
Ginkgo biloba extract increases blood flow to the brain. Numerous studies have shown that this herb can stabilize, and in some cases, improve the mental functioning and social behavior of people with Alzheimers disease.
Kava kava and St John's wort help to calm people who become angry easily.
Recent studies from Japan indicate that curcumin (a compound found in turmeric) and rosmarinic acid inhibit the progression of certain aspects of the disease.
The Chinese herb qian ceng ta increases memory retention.
Valerian root will improve sleep patterns when taken at bedtime.
Sage contains compounds that are cholinesterase inhibitors. Drugs which are currently being used to treat Alzheimers are cholinesterase inhibitors.
Studies performed on rats show that cat's claw, when used in combination with other herbal extracts such as ginkgo, gotu kola, and rosemary, inhibits the buildup of plaque in the brain.
Other studies have shown that Kyolic (liquid aged garlic extract) is proving to be useful in the treatment of Alzheimers symptoms.
Keeping the brain active seems to slow down the progression of the disease. This is best accomplished by staying active and mentally involved, as well as getting plenty of physical exercise.
Eat a well balanced diet and follow the nutritional program recommended above.
Have a hair analysis done to rule out the possibility of excessive amounts of heavy metals in the body as the cause of symptoms.
Include plenty of fiber in your diet.
Have allergy testing done in order to rule out either environmental or food allergies as the source of symptoms.
Avoid alcohol, cigarette smoke, processed foods, and heavy metals such as aluminum and mercury.
Tap water can contain aluminum, so drink distilled water, and drink at least 8 glasses a day.
A decrease in the sense of smell often shows up as much as two years prior to any mental decline in people which are developing Alzheimers disease. The speed at which the sense of smell declines is an indication of how fast the disease will progress. Smoking damages the cells involved in the sense of smell, so this test is not as useful for smokers.
Regular exercise throughout adulthood reduces the risk of developing Alzheimers disease.
The hormone DHEA may prevent Alzheimers disease.
Women with Alzheimers disease have been found to have lower levels of estrogen than women without this disease.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
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