What You Need to Know About the Role of Natural Products in Alzheimer's Disease Management

 

Alzheimer’s disease is a challenging diagnosis for both patients and caregivers. Patients require significant support and assistance to manage daily activities, while caregivers must juggle the demands of work, school and home while providing around-the-clock care. Natural products can provide relief from common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease such as depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress. In addition to conventional therapies — including drugs that increase acetylcholine or the effects of brain neurotransmitters — natural products provide relief for many Alzheimer’s patients.

 

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease of the brain. It is the most common form of dementia and affects an estimated 5.3 million people in the United States. People with Alzheimer’s will experience a decline in cognitive function, including poor memory and attention span. Eventually, they may lose the ability to walk, talk and care for themselves. In most cases, Alzheimer’s is a chronic, progressive disease that worsens over time. There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s, though symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. Alzheimer’s Disease is a complicated condition, so it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease is a multi-step process. If a loved one shows symptoms of dementia, he or she should undergo a comprehensive cognitive evaluation. During the evaluation, your loved one will be screened for memory loss and other cognitive deficits.

 

Natural Products to Help Manage Alzheimer’s Symptoms

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, natural products can help manage symptoms. In many cases, these natural products can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies to improve overall health and well-being. Studies have found that natural supplements can help manage symptoms like: - Depression and Anxiety Management with Natural Supplements - Many medications to treat Alzheimer’s disease can cause depression. In fact, depression is the most common side effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), the drugs most commonly prescribed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Natural supplements can be used to manage symptoms of depression while also reducing the risk of developing side effects from conventional medications. Ginkgo biloba is a common supplement found in anti-anxiety and antidepressant formulas. Ginkgo biloba is believed to stimulate blood flow to the brain, which may help improve memory and attention. Ginkgo biloba may also reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.

 

Sleep Management with Natural Supplements -

Poor sleep is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. It can be caused by a number of factors, including medication side effects, anxiety, sleep disorders and depression. Natural products can help manage sleep disorders and improve overall sleep quality. Melatonin is a natural hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Studies have shown that Alzheimer’s patients have lower melatonin levels than healthy adults. Natural melatonin supplements can help to regulate sleep cycles and improve sleep quality.

 

Stress and Cognitive Function with Natural Supplements -

Stress can increase cognitive decline among Alzheimer’s patients. Studies have shown that chronic stress can have a toxic effect on the brain, contributing to cognitive impairment and memory loss. Natural products can help to reduce the effects of chronic stress. Ginseng is one of the most popular ingredients in anti-aging formulas. It is often used to improve cognitive function, including short and long-term memory. Hawthorn has been used to improve blood flow to the heart and brain. Other natural ingredients include vitamin B-17 and folic acid, which may reduce the risk of cognitive decline among Alzheimer’s patients.

 

Conclusion

Natural products can be used as part of a comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease management plan. They are not intended to replace conventional therapies, but may be useful in conjunction with those therapies. In most cases, natural products are safe to use without significant risk or side effects. While they don’t cure the disease, natural products can help improve quality of life for patients and caregivers by managing symptoms related to the disease.