Nature's Derivative(s) as Alternative Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Treatments
Anuja Sharma1, Yatender Kumar1
1Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering (BSE), Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), Formerly Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT), Azad Hind Fauz Marg, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the 'Plague of Twenty-First Century,' is a crippling neurodegenerative disease that affects a majority of the older population globally. By 2050, the incidence of AD is expected to rise to 135 million, while no treatment(s) that can reverse or control the progression of AD are currently available. The treatment(s) in use are limited in their ability to manage the symptoms or slow the progression of the disease and can lead to some severe side effects. The overall care is economically burdensome for the affected individuals as well as the caretakers or family members. Thus, there is a pressing need to identify and develop much safer alternative therapies that can better manage AD. This review discusses a multitude of such treatments borrowed from Ayurveda, traditional Chinese practices, meditation, and exercising for AD treatment. These therapies are in practice since ancient times and reported to be beneficial as anti-AD therapies. Ayurvedic drugs like turmeric, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, etc., management of stress by meditation, regular exercising, and acupuncture have been reported to be efficient in their anti-AD usage. Besides, a combination of vitamins and natural dietary intakes is likely to play a significant role in combating AD. We conclude that the use of such alternative strategies will be a stepping-stone in preventing, treating, curing, or managing the disease.
Insights
Alternative therapies like Ayurveda, meditation, and exercise show promise for managing Alzheimer's disease (AD). These ancient practices offer safer, complementary approaches to conventional treatments for this neurodegenerative condition.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Integrative Medicine
- Gerontology
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing global health crisis, projected to affect 135 million by 2050.
- Current AD treatments offer limited efficacy, symptom management, and potential side effects.
- The economic burden of AD care is substantial for patients and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review alternative and complementary therapies for Alzheimer's disease management.
- To explore the potential of traditional practices in combating AD.
- To highlight the need for safer, more effective AD treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, meditation, and exercise for AD.
- Analysis of reported benefits of specific Ayurvedic drugs (e.g., turmeric, Brahmi, Ashwagandha).
- Inclusion of stress management, physical activity, acupuncture, and dietary interventions.
Main Results:
- Ayurvedic remedies, meditation, exercise, and acupuncture demonstrate potential anti-AD effects.
- These alternative therapies are reported to be beneficial in managing AD.
- Combined use of vitamins and natural diets may play a role in AD prevention and management.
Conclusions:
- Alternative strategies offer a promising avenue for preventing, treating, and managing Alzheimer's disease.
- These therapies represent a potential stepping-stone towards better AD care.
- Further research into integrative approaches is warranted for improved patient outcomes.
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