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Natural Remedies for
Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease
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This is
the most comprehensive list of natural remedies for treating
dementia, Alzheimer's disease and memory loss.
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Introduction
It was Dr. Alois Alzheimer who first identified this condition in 1906.
This condition is defined as a loss of intellectual
capacity resulting from the loss or damage to the neurons found in the
hippocampus part of the brain.
Table
of Contents

Natural Remedies
for Treating
Dementia
| Natural Remedy |
What experts say about them |
| Ginkgo
biloba |
(What's
this?)
Click here for
a
detailed review. This herb is a standard treatment option used in
Germany.
|
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine |

This
supplement improves memory function, behaviour and slows down the
progression of the disease. This claim is backed up by clinical
research studies.
Dose:
Take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily. Dosage up to 4,000 mg
daily has been used in research studies.
|
| Phosphatidylserine |

This
supplement is shown in research studies to significantly improve
memory and behaviour problems. It is believed to increase acetylcholine
levels in the brain. The results show up between 6 and 12
weeks of use.
However,
the animal sourced (bovine) formulation is shown to be effective while
the plant sourced (soy) didn't seem to have any benefits.
Dose:
Take 100 mg three times daily.
|
Ginseng
(Panax ginseng) |
Click here for a
detailed review.
|
| Huperzine
A |
Click here for a
detailed review.
|
| Idebenone |

Clinical
studies done show that idebenone can slow down memory loss in those
suffering from moderately severe Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 90 to 120 mg taken up to three times daily.
|
| Lemon
Balm |

In
several clinical studies, lemon balm was helpful in improving memory
function and lowering agitation of those suffering from mild to
moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 60 drops of a 1:1
alcohol extract once daily or use 1 to 5 grams of the leaf as a tea or
infusion and drink up to three times daily.
|
Sage
(Salvia officinalis) |

Studies
show that taking sage improves the memory loss problem of those
suffering from mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 1 gram of sage daily.
|
| Vinpocetine |

Clinical
studies show that vinpocetine (a chemical found in the periwinkle
plant) was effective in treating memory related problems. It is
believed to improve blood flow and enhance oxygen and glucose usage by
the brain.
Dose:
Take 5 to 10 mg three times daily.
|
| Coenzyme
Q10 |
Click here for a
detailed review.
|
| Bacopa |

This is a traditional Ayurvedic
herb used extensively in India to help with enhancing memory.
Dose:
Traditional dose ranges from 50 to 150 mg taken up to three times
daily.
|
Pycnogenol
(Pinus pinaster) |

Pycnogenol
is known to be a potent free radical scavenger and contains many
bioflavonoids (proanthocyanidins) that can prevent the damaging effects
of toxins on cells. It also shows anti-inflammatory
activities.
Studies done on animal brain cells showed that
pycnogenol was able to fight off the damage of exposure to toxic
substances including the amyloid-beta proteins found in those suffering
from Alzheimer's Disease.
Dose:
Take 50 to 100 mg up to three times daily.
|
| Ashwaganda |
Click here for a
detailed review.
|
| Omega-3
Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) |
Helpful
- Click here for
a
detailed review.
Fish
oil (omega-3 fatty acids) does not directly help treat memory problems
but is essential for maintaining brain function and protecting the
cardiovascular system.
Dose:
Take 1 to 2 grams daily.
|
| Garlic |
Helpful
- Click here for
a
detailed review.
Garlic
may not directly improve memory but offers support to the
cardiovascular system and the immune system. These two systems need to
be kept at top shape to fight off dementia or to at least slow down the
progression of Alzheimer's disease.
|
Rose
Hip
Acerola |
A good source of vitamin C. See section below "Vitamins & Minerals for
Treating Dementia" or click
here.
|
NADH
(Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrate) |
Probably
not effective
Clinical studies show that taking NADH didn't helped with memory
function in people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
In studies, dosage ranging from 10 to 15 mg daily has been
suggested.
|
| Lecithin |
Probably
not effective
Lecithin has been suggested by many to be useful treating memory
problems.
However, in many clinical research studies, lecithin doesn't seem to
improve the
memory function of those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
|
| DMAE
(2-dimethylaminoethanol) |
Probably
not effective
Studies show that taking DMAE did not help with improving memory
function in those suffering from dementia.
|
| DHEA |
Probably
not effective
Click here for
a
detailed review.
|
| Periwinkle |
May
be toxic
Periwinkle has been often suggested to help improve brain functions.
It
is known to cause serious liver and kidney damage due to some of the
toxins contained in the plant. We suggest avoid using this herb as
there is others to try first with much less risks and side effects.
|

Vitamins
&
Minerals for
Treating Dementia
| Vitamins & Minerals |
What experts say about them |
| Vitamin
E |

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant
that helps to prevent free radical
damage to cells
One
research
study show that taking 2,000 IU of vitamin E daily slows down the
disease in those people who suffer from somewhat severe Alzheimer's
disease. However there are also studies that show that vitamin E did
not
help at all.
Dose:
For healthy individuals, we suggest a dose of 400 to 800 IU daily. Take
up to 2,000 IU daily for those suffering from dementia under the
supervision of a healthcare professional.
|
Niacin/Niacinamide
(Vitamin B3) |

There
is evidence that very low levels of niacin can cause the symptoms of
dementia. Population studies suggest that low levels of niacin
increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
However, it is not known if taking enough niacin could slow down the
progression of this disease.
Dose:
Take 50 to 100 mg daily.
|
Vitamin
C
(Ascorbic acid) |

Population studies show that low amounts of vitamin C (and E) is linked
to increased risk of getting dementia.
Vitamin
C, like vitamin E, is an antioxidant
that helps to prevent free radical
damage to cells. It is known that oxidative damage may be responsible
for causing Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 250 to 500 mg daily. Higher doses have been used safely.
|
Thiamin
(Vitamin B1) |

Vitamin
B1 is needed for the nerves to transmit signal properly and is lower in
those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is known
that deficiency in thiamin can result in symptoms of dementia.
Studies show conflicting results and the dosage used is extremely high
at 3 grams daily.
Dose:
Typical dose used is up to 30 mg daily. Dosages as high as 300 mg
have been used to treat severely low levels of thiamin.
|
| Zinc |

There is some evidence that taking zinc may slow
down Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 10 to 40 mg of zinc daily.
|
| Vitamin
B12 |

Make
sure you get enough vitamin B12 as if you are
low in this, you will get
symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease. These symptoms include shaky
movements, muscle weakness and dementia.
Dose:
Take 800 to 1,600 mcg daily.
|
| Folic
Acid |

Population studies seem to show that higher levels of folic acid seem
to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
Take 400 to 1,000 mcg (0.4 mg to 1 mg) daily.
|
| Iron |

Low levels of iron can cause memory function problems. Get your iron
levels checked if you suspect you are deficient.
However, it is not known if taking iron supplements in those with
normal iron levels would help with Alzheimer's disease.
Dose:
As determined by your family doctor after a blood test is
completed.
|
| Boron |

Boron has been suggested in research studies to be helpful in those
suffering from dementia.
Dose:
Up to 20 mg daily have been suggested.
|
| Selenium |
Selenium
is an antioxidant
(like vitamin C and E) and has been suggested to be
helpful in those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Clinical studies
will need to be done to support using selenium for treating this
condition.
Dose: 50
to 200 mcg daily have been suggested.
|
Pyridoxine
(Vitamin B6) |
Probably
not effective
There doesn't seem to be a link between blood levels of pyridoxine and
the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease.
|

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Some
statistics on dementia
Alzheimer’s
disease is the most
common form of dementia accounting for 70% of all cases. It is a
progressive disease that starts in the
fourth to fifth decade of life.
Here are some sad statistics on this condition. It is estimated to
affect over 5
million people in the United States alone. Experts believe that over
50% of the people over the age of 85 suffer from some amount of
dementia.
How
are we
going to treat it naturally?
Since
experts are not sure exactly what causes dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease, it
makes sense to try using natural remedies to reduce the risk
of developing this unfortunate condition.
We
also suggest maintaining a health diet, exercising regularly and
engaging in mental exercises and games (such as crossword puzzles,
playing chess, etc...)
Many
products marketed to
help treat memory problems contain one or more of the products listed
below.
Many of these herbs have clinical studies to back up their claims of
effectiveness.
What
are some symptoms of dementia?
Symptoms
initially starts off with
being forgetful, memory loss, leading to thought and speech problems,
ultimately leading to complete helplessness and death.
People suffering from dementia may experience
confusion, disorientation
mood swings, anger, anxiety, depression, hallucinations, paranoia and
inappropriate comments and behaviours.
What
are some known and unknown causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
Currently, the
cause of dementia and Alzheimer's disease is unknown.
There are many theories
including nutritional
deficiencies, environmental toxins and consuming
large quantity of aspartame that may cause this condition.
What
is known is that the nerve cells gets tangled and cannot properly
transmit signals. Also, a protein-like substance called beta-amyloid
gets deposited in the nerve cells, further damaging them. This is
characteristic of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Other causes include stroke causing part of the brain tissue to die
and reducing blood flow and oxygen for the brain
because of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
A person with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease seems to be at
high risk
of developing this condition as they age. This suggests a genetic
factor is
responsible as well.
Aluminum exposure has been suggested to cause Alzheimer's disease from
analysis of those
who died with the disease. This is not proven.
Mercury,
a toxic heavy metal, is also implicated in causing Alzheimer's disease.
This could come
from eating fish and seafood contaminated with mercury or from dental
amalgams containing mercury.
Other scientists suggest some kind of an autoimmune disease where our
own immune
system attacks the nerve cells and damage them.
There is currently no blood or lab test available for detecting
dementia. It
is determined by ruling
out all other possible causes and evaluation of the symptoms displayed
by the person.
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References and
resources used
Updated: February 23, 2010

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