Natural Remedies for
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This is the most comprehensive list of natural remedies for treating dementia, Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. |  |
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
Some statistics on
dementia
How are we going to treat it naturally?
What are some symptoms?
What are some known and unknown causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
How are we going to treat it naturally?
What are some symptoms?
What are some known and unknown causes of dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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