Dementia Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment By Ayurveda
Abstract
Cognitive function is an essential aspect. It is associated with mental abilities, thought processes, decision-making capacity, problem-solving tricks, and attention. It is a broad concept that encourages an individual to use the brain and thought process more effectively to solve daily problems. In dementia, there is a gradual decline in cognitive function. In this article, we will discuss Dementia, associated concerns, and ayurvedic herbal remedies to manage dementia.
Introduction
Dementia is a clinical diagnosis and a term that can be used to explain multiple symptoms affecting the thought process or memory. Dementia is not a disease, it can be caused by multiple problems affecting our mental aspect. In simple terms, dementia is explained as the loss of memory. Dementia can be a sign of problems associated with impaired brain function. Therefore we can say dementia is the progressive memory loss associated with neurological disorders. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental function that is severe enough to interfere with daily living. Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a group of symptoms that can affect thinking, memory, reasoning, personality, mood, and behavior. Dementia can be associated with any pathology of the brain.
Symptoms
Following symptoms can be associated with dementia
- Memory loss is noticed by family members or other people.
- Communication difficulties
- Visual problems
- Inactive mind state like getting lost while doing some work
- The reasoning or aptitude difficulties
- Unable to solve the simple problems
- Unable to handle the complex tasks
- Stress and anxiety
- Nervousness in organizing the parties or valuable talks.
- Motor functions difficulty
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Psychological changes
- Altered personalities
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Negative thoughts
Causes
- Disruption or disturbance in nerve connection may lead to dementia. It may be caused due to loss of nerve cells. Symptoms may vary from person to person as it depends on the damaged part of the brain.
- Protein or protein deposits may cause poor nerve connection in the brain and may lead to distorted brain systems.
- Side effects from the disease may cause altered thought processes or memory loss
- Stress and overthinking may lead to such problems.
- Alzheimer’s disease – The common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. It is prevalent in old age people. It is sometimes hereditary. People with age more than 65 are more prone. Brain tests or scanning of the brain show the plaques. Plaques are associated with beta-amyloid. Word-finding problems are associated here. Although the exact cause of Alzheimer’s is unknown, brain studies reveal the plaques. Plaques can be due to tau protein mass or a group of beta-amyloid proteins. Alzheimer’s progresses slowly and symptoms may take time. Patients of Alzheimer’s face problems like dementia, feeling lost and being unable to retain things.
- Vascular dementia – Vascular dementia occurs when there is low blood flow or obstructed blood flow to the brain, it leads to brain damage. Another name for Vascular dementia is multi-infarct dementia. Multiple small strokes may lead to a vascular type of dementia. People with high blood pressure or face stroke or heart attack are more prone.
- Lewy body dementia – a common form of irreversible dementia, its primary symptoms include visual hallucinations and “Parkinsonism” where the patient exhibits features of Parkinson’s disease like tremors and rigid muscles. People diagnosed with Lewy body dementia experience a sleep behavior disorder that involves acting out dreams.
- Frontotemporal dementia – With this condition, the nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain degenerate, which results in inappropriate behavior, language problems, and difficulty with thinking, concentration, and movement problems.
Complications
- Restlessness and agitation. People diagnosed with AD commonly have periods of agitation and anxiousness.
- Bladder and bowel problems. Bladder and bowel problems are other complications of AD.
- Depression
- Falls
- Infections
- Wandering
- Malnutrition and dehydration
Management
The following steps might be beneficial to manage dementia-like symptoms
- Mind activity is very important. Activities that are important to stimulate the brain cells like reading, chess, puzzle solving, and memory training may help to enhance the cognitive status and help to manage dementia.
- Be physically and socially active. Physical activity and social interaction might delay the onset of dementia and reduce its symptoms. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week.
- Quit smoking – It is important to quit smoking to lower stress levels.
- Vitamin D deficiency may cause problems like dementia. To deal with a problem like dementia it is important to enhance the low levels of vitamins. Multivitamins should be the choice. People having low levels of essential vitamins are more prone to conditions like dementia.
- Cardiovascular disease may cause dementia or neurological problems. It is important to manage cardiac conditions. Hypertension could be the primary cause which may lead to dementia associated with stress. To improve heart health it is important to lose weight if a person is overweight. High levels of cholesterol and conditions like diabetes may enhance the levels of stress and dementia. People suffering from any such condition must focus on a good lifestyle, and a proper diet, and should stay physically active. Research should be done to know more about this condition. The diet should be good and free from trans fats. A diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and supplements rich in vitamins should be followed. Also, a good sound sleep, and avoiding stress, alcohol, and smoking are also very important.
- People suffering from hearing loss are more prone to dementia and lead to poor cognitive action. Early diagnosis and treatment of hearing issues may prevent further cognitive decline. It is important to check the severity of condition and proper action must be taken to manage further loss.
Ayurvedic Aspect
Manovaha srotas dushti
Manovaha srotas can be designated as the channels of consciousness. The channels of consciousness flow via the mind. Manovaha srotas are important for basic actions and functions like thinking, behavior, remembering, and reasoning. The impaired status of poor functioning of manovaha srotas leads to various symptoms. Srotas are important in Ayurveda because they make up a system of channels that allow the body to function optimally. Manovaha srotas are concerned with Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas gunas. Sattva is clarity, purity, calmness, and harmony. Rajas guna is associated with movement, ambition, activity, motivation, and inspiration. Tamas is associated with dullness, negativity, and lethargy. Balanced states of all three All are beneficial to the mind when in a balanced state. According to the Ayurvedic perspective, Dementia is a vata disorder. Specifically, the Vata dosha associated here is Prana Vata. Aggravated vata dosha leads to abnormal movement of doshas in the body. The vitiation of doshas may cause damage to cells of the brain or their reduced efficiency. All this poor functioning further led to deprived mental health.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Dementia is basically concerned with neurodegeneration. In Ayurveda, Panchkarma and Rasayan therapy can be beneficial to manage the problem of dementia. Rasayan enhances cognitive function. In Ayurveda, buddhi is termed for intelligence, and the buddhi branch is for loss of memory or dementia. Rasayan therapy involves the rejuvenators like Brahmi, Mandookparni, giloy, etc. These rejuvenators help to promote brain activity and enhance mental stamina and memory. In panchakarma therapy, Shirodhara plays a significant role to manage the stress and anxiety associated with dementia. Also, behavioral therapy is very important to manage panic attacks or stress of the people. The treatment approach for dementia in Ayurveda aims at rejuvenating the brain as well as the whole body and thereby improving brain functions. Complete detoxification of the body can be done by procedures of Panchkarma like Vaman, Virechana, Nasya, Basti, etc. Shirodhara and abhyanga can be helpful to rejuvenate the brain cells. Along with these procedures, ayurvedic herbal medicines can make a difference and manage the issues associated with dementia.
Herbal remedies for Dementia by Planet Ayurveda
Planet ayurveda is Gmp certified hub known to manufacture quality products and herbal formulations. The products are GMP-certified, result oriented, authentic, and without any added synthetic derivative. Following are the herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda to manage the conditions with which dementia is associated.
Product List
- Brahmi capsules
- Gotukola capsules
- Memory Support capsules
- Medhya Churna
Product Description
1. Brahmi capsules
Brahmi capsules are loaded with pure extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is an effective brain tonic mentioned as a rejuvenator in ayurvedic texts. Brahmi helps to promote the brain cells and helps to strengthen the brain cells in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Brahmi also enhances the functioning of liver cells. Brahmi is an astringent, diuretic, sedative, potent nervine tonic, anti-anxiety, improves mental function and enhances the process of learning. Brahmi is very effective and one of the important herbs of choice to deal with neurological problems. It helps by managing the stress level and keeping the status of cortisol and serotonin in balance. The lower the level of cortisol less will be the stress.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
2. Gotukola capsules
Gotu Kola capsules are loaded with pure extract of Gotukola (Centella asiatica). Gotukola is an adaptogen (one known to reduce the effects of stress), a potent vasodilator, that relaxes the central nervous system, a sedative, antibiotic, detoxifier, purifies the blood, acts as laxative, acts as a diuretic and emmenagogue (herb known to increase the menstrual flow). Gotukola is known as one of the best rejuvenators in Ayurvedic texts hence it is used as a brain tonic to improve memory, help to overcome mental confusion, pacify stress, manage the prolonged fatigue, and be beneficial in leprosy conditions. Brahmoside the chief constituent of the Gotukola is well-known tranquilizing and anabolic activity. Planet ayurveda Gotu Kola capsules are the best, most result-oriented, and authentic product to manage neurological disorders in which dementia is the main sign.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily, after meals, with plain water.
3. Memory Support capsules
The chief ingredients of Memory support capsules are Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Memory support capsules as the name indicate enhance memory, and learning capacity, relieve stress, help to manage hypertension, and pacify anxiety. These capsules also manage conditions like epilepsy, hallucinations, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia can be associated with any neurological condition, so in any kind of memory loss, memory support capsules play a significant role to manage such conditions. These capsules are helpful to improve speech coordination and make learning easy.
Dosage: 1 – 2 capsules twice daily or as directed by the Physician.
4. Medhya Churna
Medhya churna of Planet Ayurveda is loaded with Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), Shweta jeerak (Cuminum cyminum), Krishna jeeraka (Carum carvi), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), etc. Medhya churna is a wonderful herbal combination to enhance memory, elevate concentration levels, relieve stress as well as anxiety, and boost confidence. Also, this churna acts as a brain and nerve tonic. Some other benefits of Medhya churna include enhancement of mental clarity and nervous system rejuvenation. Medhya churna of Planet Ayurveda is best and based on classical herbs to manage dementia.
Dosage: 1/4 spoon twice daily with plain water.
CONTACT PLANET AYURVEDA TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040
Conclusion
Dementia seems to be a palliative condition as per Ayurvedic understanding of its pathogenesis. Early detection of the problem and early starting of the treatment is required to prevent the progress of the disease. Ayurvedic approach to managing the problem with Medhya Rasayana and Panchakarma therapy is useful in the treatment of dementia and effective in improving not only the quality-of-life of the patient but also the caregivers/family members in a broader sense. Problems like dementia or associated problems must be dealt with ayurvedic herbs as they have been mentioned in classical texts for thousands of years. The herbal formulations of Planet Ayurveda are best, authentic, and result-oriented to help to resolve the problems like dementia. It is important to follow ayurvedic herbal medicines instead of synthetic medicines.
