Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that destroys the brain cells, leading to memory loss, confusion, and a decreased ability to think and carry out everyday activities.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that help ease the symptoms. One such treatment is ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries for its cognitive-enhancing properties.
What does science say about ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s disease? Read on to find out!
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used for a variety of health conditions.
What is Alzheimer’s?
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes memory, thinking, and behavior problems. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80 percent of all cases. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability due to disease or injury.
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging.
The cause of Alzheimer’s is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but treatments are available to help manage the symptoms.
Related: What Ashwagandha is Good for? Science-Backed Health Benefits
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia vary from person to person, and they tend to get worse over time.
Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Dementia
- Forgetting recent events or conversations.
- Difficulty planning or solving problems.
- Losing things.
- Feeling confused about time or place.
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.
- Problems with words in speaking or writing.
Later Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Dementia
- Severe memory loss.
- Inability to communicate.
- Inability to take care of oneself.
- Personality changes.
- Paranoia.
- Delusions.
- Hallucinations.
There is no one test that can diagnose Alzheimer’s dementia. Doctors diagnose Alzheimer’s dementia based on a careful medical history, a physical exam, and laboratory tests.
They also use special brain imaging scans, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
See a doctor as soon as possible if you or a loved one is showing signs of Alzheimer’s dementia. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer’s dementia and their caregivers.
The early signs of Alzheimer’s may be mild and go unnoticed.
Current Alzheimer’s Dementia Treatments
Alzheimer’s is a devastating, degenerative brain disease that robs people of their memories, their ability to think and reason, and eventually their lives.
It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases.
There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, and treatments currently available can only temporarily slow the progression of the disease.
However, there is hope. Researchers are working tirelessly to find new and better ways to treat Alzheimer’s and, one day, hopefully, find a cure.
In the meantime, treatments available can help people with Alzheimer’s disease manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These treatments can be divided into three general categories:
- Pharmacological treatments: These drugs can help improve symptoms or temporarily slow the progression of the disease.
- Non-pharmacological treatments: These therapies don’t involve medication, such as cognitive training, exercise, and social activities.
- Supportive care: This includes measures to help people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers manage the challenges of the disease.
Pharmacological Treatments
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several different drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease. These drugs can be divided into two main categories:
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These drugs boost the brain’s levels of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is vital for memory and thinking. Currently, three cholinesterase inhibitors are approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer’s disease: donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne).
- Memantine: This drug works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Glutamate is involved in brain cell death. The FDA approves Memantine to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments
Several different therapies can help people with Alzheimer’s disease manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
These therapies don’t involve medication and can be divided into three main categories:
- Cognitive Training: This therapy helps people with Alzheimer’s disease improve their thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Exercise: Exercise can help to improve mood, sleep, and overall fitness. It can also help to reduce stress and improve mental function.
- Social Activities: Social activities can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and provide a sense of purpose. They can also help to improve cognitive function.
Supportive Care
Supportive care measures are designed to help people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers manage the challenges of the disease.
These measures can be divided into four main categories:
- Education and Support: This type of support can help people with Alzheimer’s disease, and their caregivers understand the disease and its progression. It can also help them learn about available treatments and how to manage the day-to-day challenges of the disease.
- Respite Care: This type of care can provide temporary relief for caregivers. It can also help to prevent caregiver burnout.
- Home Safety: This support can help make the home environment safer for people with Alzheimer’s.
- Financial Assistance: This type of support can help to cover the costs associated with the disease, such as medical expenses, home care, and long-term care.
The best course of treatment will be unique to each individual. However, the treatments and supports described above can help people with Alzheimer’s disease manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a plant found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Middle East, and parts of Africa that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
It improves cognitive function, increases energy, and reduces anxiety and stress.
Ashwagandha is also being studied for its potential to improve athletic performance and help decrease anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used for a variety of health conditions.
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in ashwagandha for its potential to improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
There is limited research on using ashwagandha for cognitive enhancement, but the preliminary evidence suggests that it may be beneficial.
Related: What Ashwagandha is Good for? Science-Backed Health Benefits
What Diseases Can Ashwagandha Fight?
Some of the many benefits of ashwagandha include fighting several diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic fatigue, anemia, infertility, depression, ulcers, high blood pressure, and depression.
Additionally, it has been shown to improve learning and memory.
Ashwagandha is believed to be helpful for memory and cognitive function, as well as for reducing anxiety and stress.
How Can Ashwagandha Fight Alzheimer’s?
In a new study, scientists found that toxic plaques accumulate in the brains of people with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
These findings are a step in the right direction and underscore the importance of finding ways to prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at the National Brain Research Center (NBRC) have found that a herb used to treat Alzheimer’s can improve memory and learning in mice. The study, published in Scientific Reports, was conducted using ashwagandha.
The study found that the mice who received the treatment showed significant improvement in cognitive performance after 20 days compared to the control group.
How Ashwagandha May Help Alzheimer’s Patients?
Alzheimer’s is a progressive and debilitating form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
It is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than 5 million Americans.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. One of the most promising treatments is ashwagandha, a natural herb.
Ashwagandha has been shown to improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It helps improve memory and cognitive function, reduces inflammation, and lowers stress levels.
Related: 18 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa
The Science Behind Ashwagandha and Alzheimer’s
Some promising new research suggests the ancient Indian herb ashwagandha may hold the key to treating Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Modern science is only beginning to unlock this powerful herb’s secrets, but initial studies are very promising.
One study published in the journal of Neuropsychopharmacology found that ashwagandha extract could reverse memory loss in rats with an experimental form of Alzheimer’s disease.
The rats were given ashwagandha extract for six weeks, and the researchers found that it restored their memory and cognitive function to normal levels.
Other studies have found that ashwagandha can help to protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress, which is thought to be a significant contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease.
So, what is the science behind ashwagandha and Alzheimer’s disease?
The exact mechanism by which ashwagandha helps to treat Alzheimer’s is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to work by reducing inflammation and protecting nerve cells from damage.
Ashwagandha is rich in compounds called withanolides, which have potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
One study found that withanolides could reduce the levels of beta-amyloid plaques in the brains of mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
Beta-amyloid plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and are thought to play a role in destroying nerve cells.
Another study found that withanolides could reduce levels of tau protein tangles in the brains of rats with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tau protein tangles are another hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and are thought to contribute to the death of nerve cells.
So, strong scientific evidence suggests that ashwagandha may be a powerful weapon in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
If you or someone you love has Alzheimer’s disease, it’s worth talking to your doctor about whether ashwagandha could be a helpful treatment option.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s Disease?
The recommended dosage of Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s disease is 300-600 mg daily. The maximum safe dosage is 3 grams per day.
Ashwagandha should be taken for at least 3 months to see benefits.
How to take Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s disease?
There are a few different ways to take Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s disease. The most common way is in capsule form, typically 500 mg per capsule.
It can also be taken as a powder, tincture, or extract. If you are taking ashwagandha in capsule form, it is best to take it with food. You can mix it with water or juice if you take it as a powder.
If you take it as a tincture, you can mix it with water or put it under your tongue. It is crucial to start with a lower dosage and increase gradually as your body adjusts.
If you are taking ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s disease, it is essential to talk to your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can interact with some medications, so it is vital to ensure it is safe for you to take.
Common Side Effects of Consuming Ashwagandha
The most common side effect of consuming ashwagandha is gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is more likely to occur when ashwagandha is taken in large doses or on an empty stomach. To avoid this, start with a lower dose and take ashwagandha with food.
Other potential side effects include headache, insomnia, and irritability.
The Bottom Line
We cannot forget that there are no quick fixes for Alzheimer’s. Research and awareness campaigns should be intensified to reduce the cases of this disease in a significant way.
However, if you want to use ashwagandha as a natural remedy for Alzheimer’s, it is advisable that you consult with your doctor first.
FAQs | Ashwagandha for Alzheimer’s Disease
Is Ashwagandha good for Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s illness presently has no cure. Some individuals feel that ashwagandha can assist persons with Alzheimer’s disease and enhance their cognitive function and memory.
Can Ashwagandha cure dementia?
There is no proven treatment for dementia, although ashwagandha may aid in cognitive function and memory enhancement.
Does Ashwagandha help with memory loss?
There is some evidence that ashwagandha may be beneficial for memory loss. According to one research, Ashwagandha enhanced memory and cognitive function in rats and memory in adults with mild cognitive impairment. More study, however, is required to establish these effects.
Is Alzheimer’s curable in Ayurveda?
Alzheimer’s disease has no recognized treatment in any medical system, including Ayurveda. However, certain medications may help to alleviate symptoms and reduce the course of the condition.
Is there any cure for dementia in Ayurveda?
In Ayurveda, there is no known cure for dementia, but there are remedies that can help control the symptoms.
Is Alzheimer’s inherited from mother or father?
Alzheimer’s disease has a complicated hereditary pattern. While heredity does play a part in Alzheimer’s disease development, numerous other variables might contribute to the condition. As a result, it is impossible to establish conclusively if Alzheimer’s is inherited from the mother or father.
Also Read
- Amazing Health Benefits of Ashwagandha for Diabetes
- Ashwagandha for Infertility: Does It Work?
- Ashwagandha Skin Benefits You Didn’t Know About
- Ashwagandha and Heart Health
- The Truth About Ashwagandha for Stress and Anxiety
- Ashwagandha Good for Sleeping?
- Link Between Ashwagandha and Breast Cancer (or Any Cancer)
- Can We Use Ashwagandha for Inflammation?
- Ashwagandha and Immune System
- Chronic Fatigue | Does Ashwagandha Give You Energy?
- Benefits of Ashwagandha for Arthritis
- 11 Benefits of Ashwagandha for Menopause
- 3 Proven Ashwagandha Benefits for Sexual Dysfunction (Based on Research)
- Ashwagandha and Parkinson’s (Should You Try It?)
Sources
- ScienceDaily: Promising ‘natural’ Alzheimer’s treatment moves toward clinical trials
- PNAS: Withania somnifera reverses Alzheimer’s disease pathology by enhancing low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein in liver
- Cognitive Vitality: Ashwagandha
- Alzheimers: The Benefits of Ashwagandha, A Natural Way to Fight Alzheimer’s
- PubMed: Ashwagandha leaf extract: a potential agent in treating oxidative damage and physiological abnormalities seen in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
- World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: Potential of Glycowithanolides from Withania
- Somnifera (Ashwagandha) as Therapeutic Agents for
- the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
- ScienceDirect: Ashwagandha in brain disorders: A review of recent developments
- SpringerLink: Ayurvedic medicinal plants for Alzheimer’s disease: a review
- PNAS: Extracting β-amyloid from Alzheimer’s disease
- BioRxiv: Withania somnifera showed neuroprotective effect and increase longevity in Drosophila Alzheimer’s disease model
- Mercola J. (2012). Ashwagandha : Ancient Herb Proven to be a Potential cure for Alzheimer’s.
- Alzheimer’s Association. (2008). 2008 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 4(2):110.
- Dementia. University of Maryland Medical Center (2014).
- Singhal A. K., Naithani V., and Bangar O.P. (2012). Medicinal plants with a potential to treat Alzheimer and associated symptoms. Int J Nutr Pharmacol Neurol, 2:84-91.
- Kahn, A. Preventive Care: Protecting from brain degeneration. Alzheimer’s Encyclopedia.
- Dua, J. S., Prasad, D. N., Tripathi, A. C., and Gupta, R. (2009). Role of traditional medicine in neuropsychopharmacology. Asian J Pharm Clin Res, 2(2):72-76.
- Rao, R. V., Descamps, O., John, V., & Bredesen, D. E. (2012). Ayurvedic medicinal plants for Alzheimer’s disease: a review. ,Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 4(3):22.
