Natural Supplements And Vitamins For Treatment And Prevention Of Dementia And Cognitive Decline
Psychiatric Times
Here: a look at several natural products used to improve cognitive impairment or cognitive symptoms of dementia.
Dementia, also referred to as major neurocognitive disorder , is a growing problem because of increased lifespan. There is no known cure. Several drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of dementia, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, but these have limited efficacy, adverse effects, and significant cost-all of which contribute to the search for alternative therapies to improve cognition.
In this article, we look at several natural products used to improve cognitive impairment or cognitive symptoms of dementia .
Ginkgo biloba
A popular supplement for cognition is ginkgo biloba, which is extracted from the leaf of the Maidenhair tree. Although it has been used as a supplement in the US, in many European countries it is part of mainstream medical care and requires a prescription. A standardized extract called EGb 761 is prescribed in many countries outside of the US.
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9 Natural Supplements for Cognitive Impairment
reduce the excitotoxic effects of glutamate. Finally, the flavonoids serve as antioxidants that reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Ginseng
Huperzine
Vitamins B12 and B9
Vitamin D
Coconut oil/caprylidene
Resveratrol and curcumin
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Use A Mixture Of Spices To Make Meals Appetizing
This is just a very small list of some of the most common spices and herbs that can be found in local markets. Depending on the area you live in, you might have access to a large number of spices. Experiment with flavors when preparing healthy meals for senior citizens that have Alzheimers disease. Almost all of these can be incorporated during any meal, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add garlic and herbs to omelettes and scrambled eggs. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on sliced fruit and cereals.
These are probably dishes you are serving to your family member already. The same goes for beverages. Add herbs and spices to juices, lemonades, teas and even hot chocolate. My grandmother loved warm milk with fresh nutmeg grated on it something her mother used to make for her. She found it calming and relaxing. And most importantly, it helped to trigger a memory and a feeling.
Taste and smell are both strongly associated with memory recollection. Even if it isnt a specific memory of a place or an event, it stimulates a feeling. As adults, most of us still crave tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. We may not be able to recall an exact episode of when we ate it, but it reminds us of childhood and probably a parent or grandparent.
General Overview Of The Diversity Of Plants Used In Dementia Treatment
Modern research on dementias showed that they are complex diseases with multiple molecular mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis. With this realization emerged the new paradigm for treating these pathologies: therapies for dementia should target multiple underling molecular targets, instead of concentrating on any single one. Correspondingly, plant and plant extracts are composed of many substances that are hypothesized to act on multiple molecular targets in an additive or even synergistic manner . Many herbal medicines are already being used for dementia treatment. Unfortunately, active ingredients of these herbs are poorly described. Similarly, we still know very little on how this myriad of substances interact with each other and with prescription medications . The research on these topics will be essential for developing therapeutics, comprised of substances that amplify each other activity and which are devoid of harmful side effects.
Table 3. Overview of medicinal plants used to treat dementia worldwide.
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Initial Causes 5 Best Herbs For Dementia
There are several different causes of memory loss. Some cause this condition in the young, while others may be more gradual. If you notice that your memory is weakening, its important to consult a medical professional. Whether the cause is mental illness, age, or a combination of factors, its important to seek treatment as soon as possible. People with extensive memory loss may have social difficulties and anxiety, which can lead to depression. They may be afraid they are letting their loved ones down, which can lead to anxiety and depression. 5 Best Herbs for Dementia
Fortunately, there are many causes of memory loss, and many of them are treatable. However, if you are experiencing serious memory problems, you may need medical treatment. If you have been undergoing any type of medication, you should consult with your doctor. Some people have other underlying conditions that may be causing their loss of memory. Alcohol abuse, sleep deprivation, or other mental health conditions can cause memory problems. You should seek out a medical professional if you suspect youre suffering from any of these conditions.
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Two of the leading causes of dementia are Alzheimers disease and stroke, but the natural world has supplied us with a multitude of resources to combat all three. You can help reduce your risk of dementia through changes in your diet, regular body cleansing, and paying attention to a number of the herbs and spices for dementia that I outline below.
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Top 5 Herbal Remedies For Dementia
Dementia comes from the Latin word de meaning apart and mentis-meaning mind. Dementia is not a disease it is an overall term that describes wide range of symptoms associated with decline in loss of memory or thinking skills enough to reduce persons ability to perform everyday activities.
When dementia appears the mental functions of patients are involved initially and at a later stage person may not know what day and week is it moreover, he/she may not even know who he/she is, he/she loses his/her identity and does not recognize people around him/her. Symptoms of dementia include memory loss, communicative difficulties, moodiness and visual perception.
The two main types of dementia are cortical dementia, which affects the cerebral cortex that is the outer layer of the brain and second type is sub-cortical dementia, which is a part of brain beneath the cortex. Multi-infarct dementia is a patient whose cortical as well sub-cortical part of the brain is damage.
Various diseases that cause dementia are stroke, alzheimers disease and dementia with lewy bodies. Below given are a few herbs that help you with dementia.
Determine Personalized Natural Supplements For Dementia
The best supplements for dementia remain those that work best with your loved ones individual medical situation, lifestyle, and genetic factors. You can learn more about your loved ones genetic factors that affect nutrition and vitamin deficiencies through the new science of nutrigenomics, also called DNA nutrition testing.
This can be done either by requesting the test from your doctor or by ordering a test to be delivered at home through popular companies, such as Nutrigenomix or Nutrition Genome.
There are even companies, such as Genopalate, that can simply review any previous 23andMe or AncestryDNA results and give you a tailored nutrigenomic report without making you take a genetic test again. You can request that your previous genetic test results be sent to Genopalates nutrigenomic lab for a diet-specific report.
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Curcuminoids From Genus Curcuma
The genus Curcuma comprises around 80 species and is considered as one of the biggest genera of the Zingiberaceae family . Curcumin and its curcuminoid analogs, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are responsible for the typically yellow color of turmeric . However, the main bioactive phytoconstituent of Curcuma genus is curcumin .
Figure 6. Chemical structures of curcuminoids.
It is an approved natural food colorant and can be easily obtained from turmeric through solvent extraction and crystallization . Furthermore, curcumin is widely used in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of anorexia, hepatic diseases, cold, cough, and other disorders . Nowadays, in vivo studies suggest that curcumin has potential neuroprotective properties including antioxidant, anti-neuroinflammatory, antiproliferative, anti-amyloidogenic, and neuro-regulative effects . A large epidemiological Indo-US Cross National Dementia study showed that the peasant Indian population has a low prevalence of AD and AD-associated dementia compared to the US population, and that may be linked to the high curcumin consumption in the Indian population , although such correlation does not necessarily imply causative connection.
Figure 7. Tautomerism of curcumin: Diketo and 1,3-keto-enol equilibrium form of curcumin with its biologically relevant structural units. Hydrogen transfer in the most stable enol form.
Figure 8. Neuroprotective effects of curcumin.
Vitamins To Prevent Dementia Symptoms
The human body requires 13 essential vitamins to function normally. Each of these key substances plays a vital role in many of the chemical reactions throughout our body, including the brain so, its important to make sure these vitamins are accounted for when first looking to supplement for brain health. And, being that it is common for nutritional deficiencies to arise as dementia progresses, its even more important to stay on top of nutrition after a dementia diagnosis.
Some vitamins you cant really have too much of, like vitamin C, but some are best tailored to individual needs, like some B vitamins. Luckily, these days, its easy to check for vitamin deficiencies, as certain blood tests are now available without a doctors order. With easy-to-order nutritional screening through private companies, you can easily check your loved one for vitamin deficiencies at home or at a nearby lab. Walk-In Lab is one of those companies. They come highly recommended by their clients, are fully accredited, and use only CLIA certified labs. Tailoring a personal vitamin regimen is ideal to target needs and avoid overdose.
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If youre experiencing memory loss, you should go to a doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. He or she will also ask you about your medication and any stress youre experiencing. After the exam, he or she will likely ask you to make an appointment with a neuropsychologist. If youre unable to recall the details of your doctor, you may want to consult another healthcare provider.
Do You Know The 9 Herbs And Spices That Fight Memory Loss
May 26, 2020
If youre worried about forgetfulness, you might want to take a look in your kitchen cupboards. Why? Because some of the most common herbs and spices that people use to add flavor to foods may also fight memory loss. According to the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that spices may prevent or even halt neurodegenerative disorders commonly seen in aging, such as Alzheimers disease.
Here are 9 herbs and spices that have solid scientificevidence showing neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. Be sure tostock up on these the next time you go to the market and try the brain healthy servingsuggestions below.
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Causes & Risk Factors Of Alzheimers
The traditionally recognized cause of Alzheimers disease is the build-up of beta amyloid plaque and tau tangles in the neurons of the brain. This inhibits communication between nerve cells, which leads to symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and other declines in cognitive function.
However, medications designed to remove the plaque build-up from the cells do not cure the disease. They may actually worsen the condition.
The build-up of plaque and tau tangles might be the bodys protective response to chronic inflammation, though the research behind this idea is still developing. This would open up new possibilities to prevent and treat dementia and Alzheimers.
The following risk factors act as holes in the roof that let inflammation build up, like rain can flood a home with a damaged roof. The more risk factors that can be patched, the lower the risk of developing the deluge of Alzheimers disease.
FDA-approved Alzheimers treatments include acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine. They only slightly improve dementia symptoms, and only in some dementia patients.
Herbal Supplements For Dementia Appear To Help To Increase Blood Flow To The Brain And Improve Antioxidant Levels
Dementia is one of the most heartbreaking and difficult diseases not only because people lose their memories, but also for the toll it takes on families and caregivers. Turns out that, according to experts, there are some supplements for dementia that can help support cognitive health for senior patients.
Daniel Powers, MS, supplements expert and founder of the Botanical Institute, answered our questions about these types of supplements. What follows is the interview, edited for length and clarity.
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Best Herbs For Dementia
While there is no perfect memory loss remedy, there are several things that you can do to prevent it. First of all, exercising regularly can help keep your lungs in good shape. People who get regular exercise have better memories, and a regular exercise program can reduce stress. Additionally, exercising can help prevent memory loss by keeping your mind active. Here are some of the best ways to make your brain healthier and keep your mind sharp. Read on to learn more. 5 Best Herbs for Dementia
Considerations For Vitamins Supplements And Herbs For Dementia
Buying supplements for dementia requires due diligence on the part of the consumer.
The FDA does not have the authority to review dietary supplements and therefore cannot verify or deny their safety or effectiveness. That said, its important to research the companies you plan to buy vitamins, herbs, and other supplements from on your own prior to making a purchase. You can do this by reading reviews online about the companies and researching their products as well as the credentials of the specialists who promote the product.
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Types Of Herbs & Spices To Enhance The Taste Of Meals
We would be remiss if we didnt mention that a dulled sense of smell will hinder taste as well. Its similar to having a bad cold, your sense of smell will indirectly impact the ability to taste. I recall having a sinus infection a few years ago and going out to eat. I ordered my favorite dishes but was dismayed that I couldnt taste anything! I loaded up my dishes with salt and pepper and lots of raw garlic. Anything to boost the flavor so that I could taste something. Needless to say, the experience wasnt very enjoyable. It was then that I truly understood how important smell is to taste.
Using spices and herbs is a fast method to add flavor to the healthy meals you are assembling for senior citizens that have Alzheimer disease. Spices such as cumin and curry are strong in both taste and smell, and as a bonus, offer wonderful health benefits. The same holds true for herbs. Rosemary, lavender and mint all come with their own strong flavors, smells and benefits.
Foods That Are Risk Factors For Alzheimers
Many foods in the Western diet have been identified as risk factors for dementia and Alzheimers, including red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, and desserts. Excess alcohol intake, saturated fatty acids, and foods with a high number of calories are also risk factors for Alzheimers. If you think that you or a loved one may be at risk for Alzheimers, work with your doctor on developing a healthier diet and nutrition plan that greatly reduces the risk.
Healthcare Associates of Texas offer memory loss treatments that may help improve or reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimers disease. Request an appointment today to begin the treatment process and benefit from improved overall brain health.
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When Should Chiropractors Recommend These Supplements To Their Senior Patients And How Much
When a chiropractor has good knowledge and history with a patient and the patient is asking, I think thats the perfect time for a chiropractor to make a recommendation.
One of the common mistakes that individuals make is taking too much, too fast. Its best to try out 1-2 new supplements at a time. See how your body and brain react. Reassess as you go along.
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Certain medications can also affect memory. A lack of sleep and an impaired thyroid function can negatively affect memory. Some of these conditions can also lead to a decreased ability to remember events. In addition to these, natural aging can affect brain function, and may lead to a slowdown in memory. Although this symptom does not necessarily mean that youre losing your memory, it could indicate a problem with your cognitive ability. If you are suffering from either, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine if youre suffering from memory loss. 5 Best Herbs for Dementia
In addition to aging, medications can affect memory. Certain antidepressants, anxiety medications, and sleep disorders can all affect memory. A persons mental health can also contribute to memory problems. In some cases, a persons mental state may be affected by the medication they are taking. Some untreated medical conditions can lead to deterioration of the brain and affect the ability to learn and remember. It is also important to see a medical professional if your symptoms persist even after youve stopped taking certain medications.
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