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Related Experiment Videos

Dementia in Ayurveda.

B V Manyam1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|April 1, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Ancient Indian Ayurveda included geriatrics, termed Rasayanatantra, with documented treatments for aging and dementia. Preventive therapies using herbs, diet, and lifestyle aimed to extend lifespan and enhance cognitive function.

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Area of Science:

  • Ayurveda
  • Geriatrics
  • History of Medicine

Background:

  • Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, recognized geriatrics (Rasayanatantra) as a distinct medical division.
  • This system documented treatments for aging and age-related disorders, including dementia (Cittanasa).
  • Cognitive functions like intelligence (Buddhi) were well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the historical Ayurvedic approach to geriatrics and age-related cognitive decline.
  • To highlight the preventive strategies and herbal treatments documented in Ayurveda for longevity and cognitive health.
  • To examine the proposed mechanisms of action for Ayurvedic anti-aging therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ancient Ayurvedic texts detailing Rasayanatantra and related concepts.
  • Analysis of documented therapeutic interventions, including herbal formulations, diet, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Examination of descriptions regarding the mode of action of anti-aging treatments.

Main Results:

  • Ayurveda considered a 100-year lifespan normal, with potential extension to 116-120 years through preventive treatments.
  • Specific herbal formulations, their preparation, and proposed multi-level mechanisms of action for anti-aging were described.
  • Recent scientific research supports the efficacy of some described Ayurvedic herbs for anti-aging effects.

Conclusions:

  • Ayurveda possessed a sophisticated understanding of geriatrics and age-related cognitive disorders.
  • Preventive strategies involving herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle were central to Ayurvedic anti-aging approaches.
  • Historical Ayurvedic knowledge on geriatrics and cognitive health warrants further scientific investigation and validation.

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