Can Herbal Supplements Be of Help for Alzheimer’s?

Clinical research is being conducted to test the efficacy of herbal medicines vis-a-vis prescription medicines in treating Alzheimer's or Dementia patients. The results are promising, as herbal products have been found to be not only as effective as prescription drugs but also with fewer side effects. Herbal supplements may be used as a substitute for pharmaceutical drugs or can be used in conjunction with the latter. However, it will stand you in good stead to consult a physician and to weigh all the risks and benefits of the available options, before deciding on your course of action.

Working with the right kind of physician is also of utmost importance. In order to get correct advice and guidance, you will need to find an Integrative Medicine physician. This kind of physician has knowledge not only about pharmaceutical medicines, but is also conversant with alternative sources of cure. According to the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, an integrative approach to treating Alzheimer’s is far more effective than using just Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs. This kind of treatment was found to delay cognitive decline for two years and also improved cognition, especially memory and frontal lobe functions.

Natural Supplements for Alzheimer’s

Brain Support
by Vitabase

Ginkgo (120 mg)
by Vitabase

In this regard, Gingko Biloba is a herbal supplement that shows a lot of promise. Studies such as those carried out by the European Journal of Neurology indicate that the herb is as effective as the drug donepezil. Gingko Biloba restricts the formation of beta-amyloid, a protein which exacerbates the condition of Alzheimer’s patients and also promotes cerebral circulation. Gingko Biloba is in fact so effective that it is sold as a prescription drug in Germany.

Another herbal option to consider is Galantamine. The British Medical Journal, based on extensive research, claimed that galantamine is able to delay the decline in both cognition and functional ability in Alzheimer's patients. Again, the herb is sold as a prescription drug that goes by the name Razadyne (formerly known as Reminyl).

Since herbs too produce drug-like effects, they might interact with other drugs or even other supplements that you might already be taking. That is why it is extremely important to seek the advice of an experienced physician in the field of Integrative Medicine. This will make sure that the advice you get is correct and reliable.

"Health is not simply the absence of sickness !"
Hannah Green

May You Grow and Prosper.