Promising research with growing clinical support from multiple studies
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by memory loss, changes in thinking and behavior, and loss of independence. For families, the goals of care are often broader than slowing decline. Many prioritize day-to-day function, quality of life, emotional well‑being, safety, and reducing caregiver burden. A holistic approach means addressing the whole person within their social context. In Western medicine, “holistic” typically involves coordinated biomedical care plus lifestyle medicine, rehabilitation, and psychosocial supports. In Eastern traditions, it often adds pattern-based diagnosis, herbal formulas, acupuncture, and mind–body practices that aim to balance systems and support resilience. Comparing these perspectives helps people understand complementary options and the strength of evidence behind them. Western biomedical science views AD as driven by a combination of beta‑amyloid plaques, tau tangles, synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and vascular and metabolic factors, with genetics (e.g., APOE ε4) influencing risk. Clinicians diagnose using history, cognitive testing, functional assessment, and exclusion of other causes; imaging and biomarkers (MRI, CSF amyloid/tau, PET; and increasingly blood tests such as plasma phosphorylated‑tau) can improve diagnostic certainty, especially in early disease. Evidence‑based medications include cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) and memantine, which can modestly support cognition and daily function. Recently, anti‑amyloid antibodies (lecanemab and donanemab) showed in large randomized trials a small but statistically significant slowing of clinical decline in early AD with confirmed amyloid, though they require infusions, MRI monitoring, and shared decision‑making given risks such as amyloid‑related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Non‑pharmacologic care is central: cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) and structured rehabilitation can support cognition,,
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication regimen.
Clinical evaluation based on NIA–AA criteria integrating history, informant report, neuropsychological testing (e.g., MMSE, MoCA, ADAS‑Cog), and functional assessments (iADL/ADL). Imaging (MRI for atrophy/vascular disease) and biomarkers (CSF Aβ42/40, phosphorylated tau; amyloid or tau PET) increase diagnostic confidence in appropriate patients. Plasma p‑tau assays are emerging. Differential diagnosis includes depression, delirium, medication effects, thyroid/B12 deficiency, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and other dementias.
Current medications provide modest symptomatic benefit; disease‑modifying antibodies slow decline by a small margin and are limited to early AD with confirmed amyloid. Risks (e.g., ARIA), monitoring burden, access, and cost are significant. Non‑pharmacologic benefits vary and require sustained delivery. Many trials underrepresent diverse populations, and no therapy halts or reverses the disease.
Sources
TCM frames dementia as disturbances of the “orifices of the heart” with patterns such as Kidney essence deficiency, phlegm‑damp obstructing the mind, and blood/Qi stagnation. Treatment seeks to tonify essence, transform phlegm, move blood, and calm the spirit, aiming to support memory, sleep, mood, and daily function rather than a single disease target.
Ayurveda conceptualizes memory disorders under smriti‑bhramsha and related states, often linked to imbalances in Vata and depletion of ojas. Therapy emphasizes medhya rasayana (nootropic rejuvenatives), digestive/metabolic balance, and calming of the mind to support clarity, sleep, and behavior.
Kampo uses fixed herbal formulas tailored to patient pattern (sho). In dementia care, it is often used to address behavioral and psychological symptoms (agitation, hallucinations, sleep disturbance) and frailty, aiming to improve comfort and caregiver burden.
Mind–body traditions aim to harmonize body, breath, and attention, potentially improving mood, sleep, balance, and stress physiology. In AD, evidence is more developed for mild cognitive impairment and caregiver outcomes, with smaller studies in dementia suggesting benefits for neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life.
Sources
Where available, standard Western therapies (diagnosis with biomarkers when appropriate, symptomatic drugs, and structured non‑pharmacologic care) form the backbone of treatment. Eastern modalities may complement these by targeting symptoms under‑served by medications—sleep disturbance, agitation, anxiety, apathy, constipation, and caregiver stress. Preliminary trials suggest acupuncture added to donepezil may enhance short‑term cognitive scores, and Kampo formula yokukansan may reduce agitation, potentially lowering reliance on sedatives. Mind–body programs can be incorporated into rehabilitation to support balance and reduce anxiety. Safety is crucial: discuss all herbs and supplements with clinicians. Ginkgo biloba may increase bleeding risk, particularly with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Huperzine A has cholinesterase‑inhibiting effects and could potentiate bradycardia or gastrointestinal side effects when combined with donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine. Ashwagandha and gotu kola have been associated (rarely) with liver or thyroid effects and may increase sedation when combined with CNS depressants. Quality control varies—prefer products tested by independent programs (e.g., USP/NSF) and practitioners with recognized credentials (e.g., L.Ac./NCCAOM for acupuncture, BAMS‑trained Ayurvedic clinicians). For anti‑amyloid infusions, ensure any added therapies do not increase fall, bleeding, or hypertension risk; coordinate timing around MRI monitoring. Evaluate studies and claims by checking for randomization, blinding, adequate sample size, pre‑registration, validated outcomes (ADAS‑Cog, CDR‑SB, NPI, QoL‑AD), and reporting of adverse events. Ethical, person‑centered care includes aligning interventions to patient/caregiver goals (comfort, function, mood, safety), cultural preferences, and stage of disease, with routine reassessment of benefit versus burden. Shared decision‑making meetings that include neurology, primary care, rehabilitation therapists, integrative practitioners, and family can help design a coherent plan and avoid polypharmacy or conflicting treatments. Consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen.
Nancy L. Mace, MA, is retired. She was a consultant to and member of the board of directors of the Alzheimer's Association and an assistant in psychiatry and coordinator of the T. Rowe and Eleano
Ginkgo Biloba (50:1 leaf extract), Standardized Extract Profile: Ginkgoflavonglycosides, Terpene Lactones, Cellulose, magnesium stearate (vegetable source) and silicon dioxide.
The expression cards senior games for elderly with dementia can also be played as dementia matching pairs senior activities for elderly by allowing the participant to pick from a selection of answer c
Natural Remedies for Alzheimer’s Disease. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and functional impairment. Western biomedicine defines AD by pathological protein changes—amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles—leading to synaptic failure and brain atrophy. Diagnosis
Alternatives for Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by memory loss, impaired thinking, and changes in behavior. Biologically, it involves abnormal accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, synaptic dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. While Western medicine has cl
ADHD and Alternative Medicine — East vs West. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with functioning at school, work, or home. Comparing Western medical and Eastern traditional approaches can help fam
Alternatives for Stroke Rehabilitation. Stroke rehabilitation aims to restore movement, speech, cognition, sensation, and daily function after brain injury. Comparing Western and Eastern options matters because recovery is driven by neuroplasticity—the brain’s capacity to rewire with targeted, repetitive practice—and because people worldw
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are tightly linked along a brain–heart axis. They share many modifiable risk factors—hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking, i
Herbal Remedies for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that affect functioning at school, work, and in relationships. Comparing Western clinical care with Eastern traditions is useful beca
Health Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication regimen.
