Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. While no cure currently exists, several non-pharmacological treatments might provide help slow progression and improve symptoms. They include diet, supplementation and alternative treatment modalities.

Considerations

• If you are interested in learning about treatment options for this condition, work with a doctor or other health care professional who has experience in treating Alzheimer's disease with integrative medicine (combination of standard and alternative therapies) or with alternative medicine. Alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil recommends consulting with practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine.

Diet

• According to Dr. Weil, inflammation plays a role in causing this Alzheimer's disease and worsens its symptoms. He suggests an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish and non-animal protein sources like beans and whole soy foods. Limit animal proteins, white flour foods and sugar.

Exercise

• Weil cites a Japanese study that showed that patients with Alzheimer's disease who exercised regularly for one year had a significant improvement in memory; the more the patient exercised, the greater the benefit. He suggests at least 30 minutes of activity several days a week.

Supplementation

• The University of Maryland Medical Center lists natural supplements on their website that, research indicates, have been shown to benefit for some aspects of Alzheimer's disease. The supplements include the B-vitamins, zinc, phosphatidylserine, ginkgo, coenzyme Q10, bacopa, lemon balm and vinpocetine.

Alternative Treatment Modalities

• The University of Maryland also states that positive clinical results and improved living skills for Alzheimer's sufferers have been observed from acupuncture, massage and music therapy.