Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition linked to aging, characterized by various factors including genetic predisposition, head injuries, vascular diseases, infections, and environmental influences. Its primary early symptom typically involves difficulty in recalling recent events, with later stages marked by language problems, disorientation, mood swings, loss of motivation, self-neglect, and behavioral changes. While the disease progression rate varies, the average life expectancy post-diagnosis ranges from three to twelve years. The precise cause of AD remains unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. In recent years, research interest in the role of nutrition in AD has grown, with various dietary supplements like antioxidants, vitamins, polyphenols, and fish associated with reduced risk, whereas saturated fatty acids and high-calorie intake have been linked to increased risk. The formation of brain plaques and abnormal tangle development due to tau protein are recognized as central to the disease's pathology.
In Ayurveda, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is classified as a vata disorder and is commonly associated with old age, which is considered a vata-dominant phase. Due to this, curing the disease is challenging, but management focuses on enhancing quality of life and employing certain medications and therapies to halt further degeneration. Ayurvedic texts discuss various herbs and their properties for treating nervous system disorders, including memory loss prevalent in older individuals. However, only recently have studies been conducted to understand the mechanisms of action of these herbs on central nervous system disorders like AD. There is growing interest in using phytochemicals for dementia treatment, as conventional drug therapies often have limitations and side effects. Popular Ayurvedic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi and Guggulu have shown potential in reducing brain aging, promoting anti-stress and memory-enhancing effects, facilitating neural tissue regeneration, and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic, nutritional, and immune-supportive effects in the body.