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Alzheimer's healing

There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. According to the Alzheimer's Association (see Reference 2), researchers seek to slow the progression of Alzheimer's and provide a better quality of life for people at risk. The Mayo Clinic (see Reference 3) says a healthy lifestyle can help "prevent or postpone" Alzheimer's disease. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, holistic and conventional treatments are being used to prevent or slow the progression of the disease.

  1. Alternative Treatments

    • According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (see References 1), almost 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. The center is funding research using grape seed and its ability to reduce Alzheimer's debilitating tendencies. Grape seed apparently has properties similar to those of red wine in that both reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

      The University of Maryland Medical Center (see Resource 3) says antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E and ginkgo biloba slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Doctors prescribe vitamin E to treat Alzheimer's because it delays loss of ability to perform regular, daily activities. According to the Alzheimer's Association, vitamin E, because of its antioxidant properties, protects nerve cells. RxList (see Resource 3) suggests taking up to 2,000 IU of vitamin E daily for Alzheimer's.

      The Alzheimer's Association, however, cites a November 19, 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showing that ginkgo biloba's results were similar to those of a placebo.

    Lifestyle

    • Maintaining an active lifestyle can go a long way toward delaying the onset of Alzheimer's. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists several activities that can keep you youthful and energetic.

      Stay connected to people. Go walking regularly with friends. This can keep you mentally sharp and improve your communication skills, the center says. A pet dog can be a wonderful companion that can provide a comforting presence and enhance your mood. Listening to soothing music or learning to play an instrument can improve mental capacity and reduce wandering, anxiety and restlessness.

      The Mayo Clinic suggests adopting a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, fish and poultry, whole-grain breads and cereals. Use olive oil and get your protein from beans, nuts and seeds. Commitment to a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight help lower the risk of Alzhemier's.

      Exercise your body and brain. Staying physically active can help keep Alzheimier's at bay. In addition to regular exercise, mental fitness is also important. The Mayo Clinic says lifelong learning can delay the onset of dementia, of which Alzheimer's is the most common type.

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