Alzheimer's Naturopathy Research & Treatment

In recent years, there has been an increase of investigation into the use of complementary and alternative therapies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a mystifying disease of the mind that alters memory and normal functioning. Research has evaluated the usefulness of physical activity, diet and nutrient supplementation against Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but there is an accelerating worldwide effort under way to explore treatment options, delay its onset and prevent it from developing.

Alzheimer's Disease

• As reported by Bennett Leifer in "Alzheimer's Disease: Seeing the Signs Early," Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, affecting more than 24.3 million worldwide, including 5.3 million Americans. Alzheimer's disease destroys brain cells, causes memory loss and cognitive decline severe enough to affect work, social and family life. In the later stages, patients become unable to perform activities of daily living such as eating and bathing independently. Patients often exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms including delusions, depression and agitation. Alzheimer's disease is progressive and fatal; it is currently the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Naturopathy

• Naturopathic medicine is a distinctive system of therapy based on preventative care and the use of heat, water, light, air and massage. According to Kimball Atwood in "Naturopathy: A Clinical Appraisal," the principles underlying such treatment are based upon the observation of a "healing power of nature," which is compromised by modern medicine. Naturopathy is said to treat the cause of the problem rather than simply eliminate the symptoms and to treat the whole person by boosting the immune system with herbs and homeopathic preparations.

Dietary Intake

• In "Diet and Alzheimer's Disease," the Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that there is a positive association between those who consume diets high in cholesterol, saturated fat and total calories and low in fiber, fruit and vegetables and the incidence of Alzheimer's disease. The former diets have been found to play a role in the formation of oxidative damage to neurons. The latter---marked by fruit and vegetable consumption with lower total calories---have been linked to the lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease. Women with the highest consumption of leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, both high in folate and antioxidants, had less cognitive decline than women who consumed fewer vegetables. Additionally, fish and fish oil consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia-related disorders.

Exercise

• Routine exercise helps prevent muscle weakness, promotes a normal daily routine, decreases anxiety and may help to improve mood among Alzheimer's patients. The authors of "Exercise is Associated with Reduced Risk for Incident Dementia Among Persons 65 Years of Age and Older" emphasize that exercise provides more than just the typical health benefits. They report that physical activity is actually associated with a decreased risk for decline in cognitive function, Alzheimer's disease and other expressions of dementia. Walking has been found to reduce the risk for Alzheimer's disease. The greatest reduction in dementia incidence was found in those who exercised three or more times per week and among participants who had poor physical functioning at baseline.

Multivitamin and Multimineral Supplementation

• According to the authors of "Alzheimer's Disease: Protective Factors," nutrition is one of the factors that plays a protective role in Alzheimer's disease. Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12 and B6 are associated with increased plasma homocysteine concentrations, which have a deleterious effect on the blood vessel walls. Subjects with Alzheimer's disease have significantly higher concentrations of homocysteine levels than non-dementia patients. Serum antioxidants such as vitamins A, E and C, along with selenium, zinc and beta carotene are typically low in Alzheimer's patients. Decreased levels result in deterioration of the nervous system, resulting in exacerbation of dementia. Additionally, thiamine and thiamine-dependent enzymes were found to be significantly decreased in the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients. Supplementation of those vital vitamins and minerals is therefore seen as an essential element of the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.