Alzheimer’s is, unfortunately, a very common disease that alters the memory and mental functions of older adults. With that being said, it’s a progressive disease that as of right now, doesn’t have a cure; this leaves families feeling helpless, stressed, and even frustrated. However, though there are no cures to Alzheimer’s, there is research that suggests there are some treatment options available that can potentially slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s in the elderly.
As families are becoming more and more desperate to get their loved one the treatment that he or she deserves, doctors are beginning to find that some natural forms of medicine can have a positive impact on an elderly person’s Alzheimer’s. This post takes a look at some of the alternative treatments available in order to delay and potentially even prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Using Natural Medicine as a Way to Treat Alzheimer’s in Patients
Alzheimer’s disease is unique to every person that has it; some may have worse symptoms than others, and some may have this disease for much longer than others. Because Alzheimer’s is different for every person, the treatment is also different for every person. Some patients will react better to certain treatments, while others may not react at all. However, natural medicines such as certain herbs and supplements, especially in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, have provided great results for many patients.
Though there are some families of Alzheimer’s patients who are skeptical, more people are turning towards natural medicines as a means of treatment. A caregiver from a senior living facility in New Jersey pointed out that he sees some families looking towards natural remedies for their loved ones out of desperation. He also added that most of the time the families are pleased with the results they see after their loved one begins using natural medicine.
Here is what you need to know about natural remedies and their effect on Alzheimer’s disease:
Is There a Natural Remedy for Alzheimer’s?
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but natural remedies are being looked at more closely because of their potential to slow down or prevent the progressive disease. It’s important to know and understand the benefits that natural remedies have to offer. There are a variety of alternative medicines available that can aid in the treatment of Alzheimer’s; these alternatives are appropriate for both patients that are currently dealing with Alzheimer’s, and for younger adults that want to take proactive measures against Alzheimer’s.
If a patient has Alzheimer’s, there is no way to reverse the disease, however, natural remedies will be able to slow down the deterioration that Alzheimer’s will have on the mind, allowing the patient to get better quality out of life. Before administering natural remedies to a loved one, or even taking these remedies yourself, it’s important to talk to a doctor to ensure that they will not interfere with any other kind of medication.
The Best Supplements and Diets for Alzheimer’s
There are various supplements and diets that are thought to aid in the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, here are a few:
Turmeric
The list of conditions and illnesses that turmeric is purported to treat is a long one.
Turmeric has been used for hundreds of years in western medicine in order to improve symptoms of aging. Based on recent research, studies are finding that turmeric can improve symptoms of memory loss and the ability to focus as well as inflammation and swelling of the joints. Incorporating turmeric into aging loved one’s diet may lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and may even prevent him or her from getting it later on in life.
Zinc
People with Alzheimer’s are often deficient in zinc which is essential in the immune system in order to fight off bacteria and viruses. Often Alzheimer’s patients are more susceptible to pneumonia, and if they are deficient in zinc, it’s likely that they will not be able to fight off this sickness.
Alzheimer’s patients can take a zinc supplement or they can incorporate it into their diet by consuming foods such as pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef, eggs, dark chocolate, and legumes like chickpeas.
A Sugar-Free Diet
With the exception of natural sugar found in fruit and milk, added sugar can have extremely negative side effects on Alzheimer’s patients, worsening their symptoms. In fact, some researches are speculating that added sugar may even be causing Alzheimer’s in some patients.
Alzheimer’s can get worse when insulin is high; therefore, it’s a good idea to cut sugar out of you or your loved one’s diet in order to keep insulin low. Limiting refined grains is also a great way to keep insulin low and promote positive brain health.
Vitamin D3
Research is finding that Alzheimer’s patients are often deficient in vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus which are essential for a healthy mind and body. Vitamin D3 can also prevent plaque from forming on the brain which will directly impact brain function and memory. In addition to taking a vitamin D3 supplement, you or your loved one can incorporate the following foods into daily life:
- Eggs
- Grass-fed beef
- Liver
- Salmon
- Mushrooms
A Mediterranean Diet
Mediterranean food is rich in healthy fats and proteins, as well as antioxidants; all of which are attributed to healthy cell and brain functions, the two main functions that are damaged with the onset of Alzheimer’s. Switching to a Mediterranean diet could greatly impact your loved one with Alzheimer’s, slowing down the deterioration of the mind, and it can help you prevent Alzheimer’s by promoting cell and brain functions.
Some of the main staples in a Mediterranean diet include:
- Fresh fruits and dark, leafy, green vegetables such as kale and spinach
- Nuts and seeds; specifically almonds and sesame seeds
- Greek yogurt that his high in probiotics
- Olive oil
- Oregano and rosemary
Incorporating these foods is easy and can be extremely beneficial in terms of promoting healthy brain functions.
Ayurvedic Medicine
This form of Alzheimer’s treatment uses natural remedies and objects such as metals, minerals, and plants to treat symptoms, in addition to exercise and a healthy diet. Ayurvedic medicine originated in India and focuses on using what the earth naturally creates to treat symptoms of the mind and body.
The way that Ayurvedic medicine works to treat Alzheimer’s is by restoring energy, fighting infection and promoting healthy sleep; all important when combating Alzheimer’s di
Acupuncture
In recent studies, it has been found that acupuncture can help people that are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. Acupuncture helps people dealing with Alzheimer’s disease by increasing verbal and motor skills while also improving their mood and cognitive functions.
In fact, acupuncture is becoming a widely recognized way to lessen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s that there are specialists that deal with acupuncture for the sole purpose of treating and lessening the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
Consider Alternative Treatments for Alzheimer’s
If your loved one is dealing with dementia, it may be worth your while to consider some of these natural remedies in order to improve his or her quality of life. Or, if Alzheimer’s is common in your family, it will also be worth your while to incorporate some of these alternatives into everyday life. There are many other natural remedies that may treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s; it’s important to do research and talk to physicians in order to find the supplement that will be the most beneficial for your loved one.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey
Organizations & Affiliations
Purple Angel Ambassador
Dementia Friendly America
