Alzheimer's Disease - Natural Treatment (Evidence-Based)

With a wide range of clinically-proven natural options for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, patients of Alzheimer’s disease can utilize various methods of reducing the severity and progression of this illness. We understand that Alzheimer’s disease is a condition in which the brain degenerates, leading to loss of memory and other cognitive/mental functions, but what doctors aren’t targeting in treatment are the various aspects of the disease’s pathophysiology and causative factors beyond that of acetylcholinesterase.

In this video, I discuss various aspects of the disease’s development and how to counter them with evidence-based natural treatment. I also discuss the most likely causes and what can be done about them.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by loss of memory, cognitive function, and mental function. It is the most common cause of dementia and most often affects people over 65, however, people can develop it at an earlier age too. As the disease progresses and gets to an advanced stage, patients become more dependant on assistance from a caregiver. However, the purpose of this video and article is to shed light on several aspects of this illness that you may not be aware of, such as the true causes:

Theoretical Causes:
– Amyloid
– Genetic
– Cholinergic

Recent evidence suggests the following causes:
– Insulin Resistance (Diabetes Type 3)
– Herpes Virus
– Heavy Metals such as Aluminum

In the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, we fight plaques known as “Beta-Amyloid Plaques”. These are a product of cellular metabolism and should be cleared out by a process known as “Autophagy”. Unfortunately, autophagy is blocked by “insulin” – which appears to be raised in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s. To learn more about the insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s, check out this study.

Treatment

Sage

A common herb used in cooking, Sage has also been used in various clinical trials for treating several disorders including hyperlipidemia, diabetes, pharyngitis and Alzheimer’s disease. In a clinical study, Sage improved cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. (See the study). In addition to this, Sage is also highly effective in controlling blood sugar levels. As I mentioned earlier in this article, insulin resistance plays a role in the pathogenesis of this illness, therefore, controlling blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity is crucial.

For the Sage Supplement that I use with Alzheimer’s patients, Click Here.

Another option for controlling blood sugar is Chromium.

Chromium – A mineral which is essential for insulin sensitivity and has been used in clinical studies for improving the condition of Insulin resistance and sugar metabolism. In addition to this, Chromium has also been used for improving cognitive/cerebral function in a clinical study. (See the study)

For the Chromium supplement I use with Alzheimer’s patients, Click Here.

Lifestyle changes such as intermittent fasting and exercise involving resistance training can also improve sugar metabolism.

Lemon Balm

A lemon-flavored and scented herb that is commonly used in teas and cooking, Lemon Balm has many medicinal properties. It is typically used for memory, anxiety, stress, fatigue, insomnia and appears to work on several neurological parameters. In a clinical study, Lemon balm improved the cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease including agitation. (See the study)

*Note that Lemon Balm appears to have anti-thyroid effects (though not usually a problem in patients without an autoimmune thyroid condition), therefore it should be used under a holistic physicians guidance to avoid this effect*

Lemon Balm is also quite effective in inhibiting the Herpes virus. As I mentioned earlier, researchers have recently linked the Herpes Virus to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

For the Lemon Balm supplement that I use with Alzheimer’s patients, Click Here.

Another option for managing Herpes is Licorice Root.

Although antiviral therapy has not yet been used for treating this condition, one solution that is both antiviral and memory enhancing is “Licorice Root“. For those of you who are concerned about Licorice root increasing blood pressure, please keep in mind that for non-hypertensive patients, you would have to consume it in a large quantity (15-20 grams), daily, for several weeks for it to actually affect your blood pressure. Hypertensive patients may see negative effects with lower doses, however, there are ways to use Licorice in combination with other herbs to prevent adverse effects on blood pressure.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

An amino acid, known for improving insulin sensitivity, Autism, ADHD, exercise capacity, blood flow, blood pressure and more. Studies have shown that this amino acid improves various aspects of neurological health as well as sugar metabolism and inflammation. All of which is needed for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Carnitine is also needed for brain cell communication.

For the Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplement that I use with Alzheimer’s patients, Click Here.

Heavy Metals (Aluminum)

Evidence also suggests the role of Aluminum accumulation in the brain being linked to Alzheimer’s disease. (See this study). To remove heavy metals from the body, Chlorella, parsley, and cilantro may be of use.

Diet

Healthy fats are needed to support brain tissue formation as a large portion of the brain is made up of fatty acids. I’m not simply talking about omega 3s, but fats in general. Foods such as avocados, eggs, nuts, seeds, ghee, and coconut oil are all rich in healthy fats, cholesterol, and triglycerides that are needed to support the nutritional needs of the brain.

In addition to this, B-vitamins, specifically Choline (Vitamin B4) and Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) play an important role as it is already known that Acetylcholine (made from Choline) tends to be low in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. In addition to this, Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter tends to cause excitotoxicity which promotes cell death. This may be countered by supplementing Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) which is needed to convert Glutamate into GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Additional information

Another very important topic that has to be discussed is “Neurogenesis”. Refer to my post of Brain Damage to learn more about this and subscribe to learn about an upcoming webinar on Neurogenesis, Remyelination and how to reverse neurodegenerative illnesses.

To book an Ayurvedic consultation with me, click here

(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

by Dr. Nishal R.
Copyright © 2018

References:

Dr. Nishal R.

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Alzheimer’s Disease – Natural Treatment (Evidence-Based)

What is Alzheimer’s Disease

Treatment

Sage

Lemon Balm

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Heavy Metals (Aluminum)

Diet

Additional information

To book an Ayurvedic consultation with me, click here

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What is Alzheimer’s Disease

Treatment

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Heavy Metals (Aluminum)

Diet

Additional information

To book an Ayurvedic consultation with me, click here

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