Alzheimer's Disease
DESCRIPTION
A neurodegenerative brain disease that occurs in the elderly,
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) causes loss of memory, mental
function, communication skills, and changes in personality.
Not part of the normal Aging process, AD induces nerves
in the brain to become entangled, eventually forming senile
plaques. This entanglement hinders nerve function, and leads
to complete loss of nerve transmission.
Researchers have not yet
determined a specific cause of AD. Some speculate a lifetime
of metal deposits, such as aluminium, may contribute to
development of the disease. Others say it could be genetic,
or a combination of both factors. Treatment for AD currently
focuses on aiding neurotransmission in nerve cells that
remain functional.
HERBS
Ginkgo Biloba (7)
Gotu Kola (8)
Peppermint
Siberian Ginseng (9)
NUTRITIONAL
SUPPLEMENTS
Coenzyme Q10 (1)
Kelp
Phosphatidylserine, (2,3)
B Complex
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12 (4)
Vitamin C (5)
Vitamin E (5)
Zinc (6)
REFERENCES
1. Imagawa M, Naruse S, Tsuji S, et al. Coenzyme Q10 , Iron,
and Vitamin B6 in genetically-confirmed Alzheimer’s
disease. Lancet 1992;340:671 [letter].
2. Crook T et al. Effects of Phosphatidylserine, in Alzheimer’s
disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-66.
3. Delwaide PJ, et al. Double-blind randomized controlled
study of Phosphatidylserine, in senile demented patients.
Acta Neurol Scand 73(2): 136-140, 1986.
4. Cole MG and Prichal JF. Low serum Vitamin B12 in Alzheimer-type
dementia. Age Aging, 13:101-05, 1984.
5. Morris MC, Beckett LA, Scherr PA, et al. Vitamin E and
Vitamin C SUPPLEMENT use and risk of incident Alzheimer
disease. Alz Dis Assoc Disorders 1998;12:121-26.
6. Constantinidis J. Alzheimer's disease and the Zinc theory.
Encephale 16: 231-239, 1990.
7. Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled,
double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo Biloba
for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA 1997;278:1327-32.
8. Chopra RN. Indigenous Drugs of India, 2nd ed. Calcutta:
Arts Press, 1933.
9. Zhou DH. Preventative geriatrics: an overview from traditional
Chinese medicine. Amer J Chin Med 1982:10(1-4):32-39.
