Complementary and alternative medicines for Alzheimer's disease
1Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Brown University Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Pawtucket 02860, USA.
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
|May 7, 1999
Summary
Alzheimer's disease treatments are advancing, but many people seek natural dementia remedies. This review examines the scientific evidence for alternative medicines, including their potential benefits and risks.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Recent clinical trials show acetylcholinesterase inhibitors offer symptomatic relief for Alzheimer's disease.
- Growing public interest in alternative medicines for dementia treatment due to perceived safety and efficacy.
- Concerns exist regarding the biological activity, side effects, and drug interactions of these alternative agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the scientific evidence for alternative medicines used in Alzheimer's disease treatment.
- To assess the potential efficacy and safety of these agents.
- To highlight possible interactions with conventional pharmaceuticals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific evidence on alternative medicines for Alzheimer's.
- Analysis of studies on biological activity, therapeutic effects, and adverse events.
- Examination of documented interactions with standard Alzheimer's medications.
Main Results:
- Some alternative medicines show biological activity relevant to Alzheimer's disease.
- Evidence for efficacy varies significantly among different agents.
- Potential for adverse effects and interactions with conventional treatments is a concern.
Conclusions:
- The scientific basis for many alternative Alzheimer's treatments requires further rigorous investigation.
- Patients considering alternative medicines should consult healthcare providers due to potential risks.
- A balanced approach integrating evidence-based alternative therapies with conventional care may be beneficial.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Cognitive enhancers, also known as "smart drugs," are substances used to enhance memory, mental alertness, and concentration. These can be natural or synthetic and improve cognition in conditions like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. Some common examples include caffeine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, modafinil, arecoline, donepezil, vortioxetine, and piracetam. These enhancers work on the principle of synaptic plasticity and altered circuit function. They...
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
01:23Alzheimer Disease ll: Pathophysiology
Alzheimer disease involves structural changes in the brain that begin long before symptoms appear. The most distinctive features are extracellular neuritic plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles.Neuritic plaques form in the cerebral cortex and around blood vessels. These plaques contain a dense core of beta-amyloid (Aβ)—a toxic protein fragment that clumps outside neurons. The core is surrounded by damaged neuronal extensions, as well as reactive astrocytes and microglia. Abnormal...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...