Complementary Therapies For Alzheimer’s Disease

Complementary Approaches To Pain Management

CIH use among Veterans with chronic painMany Veterans suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain, and this type of pain is often difficult and costly to treat. VA researchers examined the medical records of more than half a million Veterans with musculoskeletal pain to determine how those who used CIH approaches to managing their pain differed from those who did not use these approaches.

Findings revealed that 27 percent of Veterans were using at least one of these CIH approaches. Furthermore, those that did use at least one approach reported slightly less pain and had slightly lower health care costs than those who did not use any of the CIH approaches. Researchers concluded that this studys findings could be used to help the VA determine what cost-effective CIH approaches could be targeted for nondrug pain management.

Yoga helps chronic low back painChronic low back pain affects many Veterans, but many current treatment options have limited effectiveness. In addition to chronic pain, people with this issue experience increased disability, psychological symptoms such as depression, and reduced quality of life.

In a study published in 2017, researchers from the VA San Diego Healthcare System examined the impact of yoga for improving function and decreasing pain. Of the 152 patients enrolled in the study, half attended 60-minute hatha yoga classes twice weekly for 12 weeks. The others continued their existing treatments and were asked not to do yoga for six months.

Reportable Effectiveness Of Ginkgo

The Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study is the largest clinical trial ever to look at ginkgo’s effect on dementia, and one of the main objectives was to see if the supplement would lower the incidence of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease. Study participants were followed over 6 to 7 years, and ginkgo showed no overall effect for reducing either dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.3

If someone decides to take ginkgo biloba supplements, check with a doctor to see if it will interact with any other supplements or medications they’re taking. This supplement may interact with a lot of common drugs like anticoagulants, antidepressants, diabetes drugs, and even ibuprofen.2

Even though it’s not a prescription drug and is “natural,” it can still have adverse effects and interact with other substances in potentially dangerous ways.

Diet & The Use Of Nutritional & Herbal Supplements

Adjusting both diet and nutrition may help some people with mental illnesses manage their symptoms and promote recovery. For example, research suggests that eliminating milk and wheat products can reduce the severity of symptoms for some people who have schizophrenia and some children with autism . Similarly, some holistic/natural physicians use herbal treatments, B-complex vitamins, riboflavin, magnesium and thiamine to treat anxiety, depression, drug-induced psychoses and memory loss.

A number of herbs and dietary supplements have demonstrable effects on mood, memory and insomnia . There is a significant amount of evidence supporting the use of Hypericum perforatum for depression, and omega-3 fatty acids and gingko biloba for dementia as reviewed below.

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Massage And Physical Therapy

People with Alzheimer disease become frustrated and anxious because they cannot communicate well with language. Using touch, or massage, as nonverbal communication may help. In one study, people with Alzheimer disease who got hand massages and were spoken to in a calming manner had lower pulse rates and did not engage in as much inappropriate behavior. Health care professionals think that massage may help not only because it is relaxing, but because it provides a form of social interaction.

Different Types Of Complementary Medicine

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a complete system of health care and has the following underpinning principals: understanding and utilising the healing power of nature, first do no harm, treat the cause not just the symptoms, treat the whole person, education and prevention.

Naturopathy can treat both acute and chronic conditions. Practitioners might specialise in certain modalities and treatment methods and you can inquire about what these might be. They often include but are not limited to: herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, lifestyle coaching, and Bowen therapy. Naturopaths will work alongside an already existing medical program if required.

Acupuncture

The origins of acupuncture are in China. It is considered to be one of the oldest healing practices in the world and it can be beneficial for a broad range of conditions. Its core principals are to restore balance and homeostasis in the body.

Massage Therapy

There are many different types of massage therapy that can help reduce stress, release muscle tension, create relaxation, mobility and help in restoration.

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References And Further Information

• Birks J, Grimley Evans J, Van Dongen M, 2003, Ginkgo Biloba for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia , The Cochrane Library, Issue 4. Chichester , UK : John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
• Alzheimer’s Society Factsheet, 2003, Complementary and alternative medicine and dementia, London
• Burns A et al, 2002, Sensory stimulation in dementia. BMJ 325:1312-3
• Viggo Hansen N, Jørgensen T, Ørtenblad L, 2006, Massage and touch for dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4.
• Malouf R, Grimley Evans J, Areosa Sastre A, 2003, Folic acid with or without vitamin B12 for cognition and dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4.
• Birks J, Grimley Evans J, Lee H, 2002, Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4.
• Isaac M, Quinn R, Tabet N, 2000, Vitamin E for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4.
• Ballard CG et al, 2002, Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Melissa, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 63: 553-558.
• McCarney et al, 2008, Ginkgo biloba for mild to moderate dementia in a community setting: a pragmatic, randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Vol 23, Issue 12, 1222-1230.

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Results Of Robis Evaluation

For ROBIS, phase 1 assesses the relevance of the research topic, and all SRs/MAs were rated as having a low risk of bias. Domain 1 assessed the study eligibility criteria, and all SRs/MAs were rated at a low risk of bias. Domain 2 assessed the identification and selection studies, and 10 SRs/MAs had a low risk of bias. Domain 3 assessed the collection and study appraisal, and 10 SRs/MAs were at a low risk of bias. Domain 4 assessed the synthesis and findings, and 4 out of 11 SRs/MAs were rated as having a low risk of bias. Phase 3 considered the overall risk of bias in the reviews, and three SRs/MAs were at a low risk of bias. More details are presented in Table 4.

Table 4. Results of the ROBIS assessments.

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New Ongoing And Published Research

In VA, complementary and integrative health approaches are most commonly used to improve Veterans mental health, manage pain, and promote general wellness. More specifically, these approaches are often used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder , depression, back pain, headache, arthritis, fibromyalgia , and substance abuse.

One of the greatest challenges in CIH is critically examining the effectiveness of approaches that have not been rigorously tested through formal research. VA researchers remain committed to addressing these scientific gaps. They are conducting studies to determine which approaches are truly safe and effective, and for which conditions and populations they work best.

Considerations For Alternative And Complementary Therapies

Alternative and complementary supplements or treatments are not monitored or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration .

There is always the chance that the supplements will not be effective at all, or cause unwanted or unknown, or even dangerous, side effects. Supplements or treatments may also interfere with traditional treatment, which is why a doctor should be aware of any CAM the person is using.

Complementary medicine and treatments can be beneficial when used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Talk with a doctor about these complementary approaches, in order to make the best, most informed decision that is best and safest for an individual Alzheimer’s treatment plan.

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Art Therapy For People With Dementia

Art therapy can be carried out in small groups led by a leader trained in art therapy, but it can also be facilitated at home if your loved one has companion care.

Their carer can provide safe materials such as childrens watercolour paints or brightly coloured clay, and the older person can use these to express whatever they want.

Because there is no right and wrong, there should never be a sense of failure, and your loved ones self-esteem may be boosted by being able to create a piece of art.

How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Treated

Alzheimers disease is complex, and it is therefore unlikely that any one drug or other intervention will ever successfully treat it in all people living with the disease. Still, in recent years, scientists have made tremendous progress in better understanding Alzheimers and in developing and testing new treatments, including several medications that are in late-stage clinical trials.

Several prescription drugs are already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help manage symptoms in people with Alzheimers disease. And, on June 7, 2021, FDA provided accelerated approval for the newest medication, aducanumab, which helps to reduce amyloid deposits in the brain and may help slow the progression of Alzheimers, although it has not yet been shown to affect clinical symptoms or outcomes, such as progression of cognitive decline or dementia.

Most medicines work best for people in the early or middle stages of Alzheimers. However, it is important to understand that none of the medications available at this time will cure Alzheimers.

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Complementary & Alternative Medicine Use In Late

In this article, the literature that pertains to the use of diet and the use of nutritional and herbal supplements, expressive therapies , stress reduction, culturally based therapies and spiritual practices is reviewed. Whenever possible, the review of the efficacy provided by positive meta-analyses, followed by one large or several smaller double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, and open trials is also included. This hierarchy of evidence is not available in each of the area of CAM. Although some animal studies are referred to, these are not a reliable indication of efficacy in humans .

Meditation To Manage Stress

More information is needed to come to a definitive conclusion, but adding a meditation practice might help to relieve general stress, in both people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Guided meditation scripts for Alzheimer’s disease or meditation apps can be found online.

Talk with a doctor about whether meditation may be beneficial for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. There are often meditation classes at local hospitals or yoga studios. Make sure meditation classes are run by certified, trained professionals.

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Herbal & Dietary Supplements

Ginkgo Biloba

The most commonly mentioned herbal medicine in the treatment of dementia symptoms is ginkgo biloba, an extract taken from the leaves of the ginkgo tree. This extract is rich in antioxidants and is commonly used to improve a wide range of bodily functions, from circulation to mental function. There is not a lot of evidence that proves the benefit of ginkgo biloba for dementia patients, but in general it seems to have few side effects. It may prevent or delay the onset of dementia, help with memory issues, and may even help slow the progression of the disease.

Other Supplements

Other supplements used by individuals with dementia include supplemental nutrition such as:

As with gingko biloba, vitamin E and selegiline are rich in antioxidants. Low levels of vitamin E over an extended period of time have been linked to the development of dementia, but it is not clear how its use as a supplement can affect dementia once it has been diagnosed. The hormone melatonin, normally secreted by our own bodies, can help individuals who have insomnia and other problems related to the sleep-wake cycle, such as sundowning .

Herbal Medicine For The Treatment Of Vascular Dementia: An Overview Of Scientific Evidence

Dennis Chang

Abstract

Dementia is a leading cause of mental and physical disability. Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimers disease constituting 1015% of the dementia population. Currently there are no approved pharmaceutical options for VaD and the conventional anti-AD therapies provide only modest, short-term relief of symptoms associated with VaD. Herbal medicines have been used for the management of dementia-like symptoms for centuries and may provide viable therapies for VaD due to their multicomponent and multitarget approach. This review is designed to provide an updated overview on the current status of herbal medicine research, with an emphasis on Chinese herbal medicine, for the treatment of VaD or dementia. A case study is also provided to demonstrate the development process of a novel standardized complex herbal formulation for VaD. The article reveals some preliminary evidence to support the use of single and complex herbal preparations for VaD and dementia. Multiple issues in relation to clinical and preclinical research have been identified and future research directions are discussed.

1. Introduction

2. Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Options for Vascular Dementia

3. Individual Herbs Used in VaD

3.1. Gingko biloba

3.2. Huperzia serrata

3.3. Curcuma longa

3.4. Ginseng

3.5. Bacopa monnieri

3.6. Crocus sativus

3.7. Camellia sinensis

4. Complex Herbal Formulations

4.1. Mechanisms and Synergistic Effects

References

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Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Scientists are investigating whether any natural strategies can target Alzheimers disease, either attempting to stop or slow down the disease. Research is in the early stages and weve outlined it below for informational purposes.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine :

Currently, there is no strong evidence that any complementary health approach or diet can prevent cognitive impairment.

Vitamin And Nutrient Supplements

Many of the risk factors for Alzheimers disease can be negated by the increase or introduction of vitamins, herbal medicine, and dietary supplements into your diet.

Researchers and the Alzheimers Association have even performed randomized controlled trials on the treatment of Alzheimers with some of these natural remedies:

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Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors

The selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor class of antidepressants selectively inhibits the reuptake of noradrenaline. Examples of this class are maprotiline and reboxetine 1B) . Maprotiline causes side effects similar to those of TCAs including dry mouth, fatigue and weight gain. Reboxetine formulations typically consist of a racemic mixture where the enantiomer is 20 times more potent than the enantiomer . The primary unwanted side effects of reboxetine are cardiovascular and urinary effects.

Social Interaction And An Active Mind

Social interactions can lead to happiness, exerting a positive effect on patients with Alzheimers disease and their families.

Ensuring constant social contact improves the quality of life for patients in every stage of Alzheimers disease.

Keeping your mind active reduces the risk for cognitive decline. Learning a new activity, such as dancing, creates new pathways of communication in the brain. Acquiring new skills and reminiscing on cherished life events are excellent ways to help prevent loss of cognitive function.

Maintaining an active mind is a very important lifestyle choice. Challenging oneself with problem solving activities, maintaining friendships, and learning new sensory skills help stimulate the mind.

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Implications For Future Research

Assessment of various aspects of the included SRs/MAs using the AMSTAR-2, PRISMA, and ROBIS assessments identified areas for common improvement. For example, the reviewer should register or publish the study protocol in advance to avoid any risk of bias and to ensure the rigor of the SR/MA process. In terms of the literature search and selection, the gray literature should be taken into account, and a list of excluded literature with explanations should be provided to guarantee transparency and to avoid publication bias. When conducting data analyses, if the heterogeneity is significant, subgroup analysis or meta-regression should be performed. Funding sources should be mentioned in the reviews because the results of business-funded studies might be biased toward the funder. Researchers should follow the relevant norms of the AMSTAR-2, PRISMA, and ROBIS assessments as much as possible to minimize the possibility of bias in answering a specific research question and to further improve the study quality. For GRADE, future RCTs should address the methodological issues through rigorous trial designs, reasonable appraisals, and critical analyses, and researchers should follow the basic guidelines for reporting clinical trials, such as the CONSORT statement and the STRICTA recommendations. Moreover, studies on this topic should be carried out in both the East and the West in the future.

How To Decide If A Treatment Is Worth Trying

Studies look at averages, not individual cases. Each individual brain is unique and responds to its environment in a unique way. So, the fact that a treatment did not help most of the people in a trial doesnt necessarily mean it will not help your loved one. So how do we know when is it reasonable to try a treatment?

There are four criteria you can use in weighing an alternative treatment for AD:

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