Herbs That Can Ward Off Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is an illness that slowly develops overtime usually affecting those people over 65 years old. It’s the most common form of dementia and is not a normal part of aging. I’ve had the opportunity of being around someone with Alzheimer’s disease and the problems with memory, thinking and behavior are very noticeable. My grandmother was unfortunately someone who was inflicted by it, and every time I saw her it felt like she was just meeting me for the first time; she would ask me the exact same questions such as “Are you married?” and “What grade are you in?” As I grew older I began to understand a bit more about her problem and it saddened me to know that this disease could be so easily avoided.
Once you have Alzheimer’s disease it’s very hard to get rid of as there is no current cure, just treatments for some symptoms. But once you start noticing it beginning to creep it, then it’s time to take immediate action to fight back. A healthy individual who constantly keeps his or her mind engaged on strenuous activity will never have to face this disease in their lifetime. But those who spend too much time relaxing and daydreaming as they grow older, have a greater chance. My grandfather has began to take precautions against it by playing Sudoku puzzles daily which is a wonderful idea that I believe everyone of all ages should do. Besides that, there are a few herbs out there that can help you or your loved ones prevent or alleviate symptoms of the Alzheimer’s disease.
1) Lemon Balm: This herb is commonly known for aiding in sleep and anxiety problems. But it has also continued to be studied for its potential to help Alzheimer’s patients. A study done at the University of Newcastle by Professor Elaine Perry tested the effect of lemon balm on the enzyme and receptors responsible for helping the molecule acetylcholine transmit nerve signals. The receptor did stimulate successfully, but still more research is required.
2) Sage: This was also studied at the same Newcastle University along with lemon balm and has shown major similarities to the Alzheimer’s drug, Aricept.
3) Gingko Bilopa: This is one of the more mainstream herbs that people have been using for quite some time in increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Meaning a healthier, more alert and focused brain. This also means that it’s a dead giveaway that it can and will help to ward off Alzheimer’s disease.
4) Ginseng: This herb is extremely popular as its benefits are numerous. Of course, it’s potency depends on where you get the root from. Some of the most powerful herbs come from the mountains of South Korea and are extremely expensive. S. Q. Hu, author of an article published in the Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials back in 2008, claims that ginseng extracts were shown to reduce cell death in Alzheimer’s disease in animal studies.
Source: Herbs That Can Ward Off Alzheimer’s Disease
Tags: Gingko Bilopa, Ginseng, Lemon Balm, Sage
Trackback from your site.