Other names for Alzheimer's Disease

Cortical dementia
Early-onset Alzheimer’s
Late-onset Alzheimer’s
Neurodegenerative dementia
Senile dementia of the Alzheimer type

Synopsis of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s occurs when abnormal protein deposits form plaques (beta-amyloid) and tangles (tau) in the brain, leading to the death of brain cells, shrinking of brain tissue, and disruption of communication between neurons.

The disease typically develops slowly, with symptoms worsening over time, affecting memory, language, reasoning, and daily function. While most cases develop after age 65 (late-onset Alzheimer’s), some occur earlier (early-onset Alzheimer’s). There is currently no cure, but treatments and lifestyle interventions can help manage symptoms and slow progression.

Types:

• Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease: Develops after age 65; the most common form.

• Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease: Occurs between ages 30–65; less common and often genetic.

• Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD): A rare, inherited form of early-onset Alzheimer’s linked to specific gene mutations (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2).

• Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease: Most common form with no clear hereditary pattern; influenced by genetic (e.g., APOE4 gene) and environmental factors.

Common Causes (Risk Factors):

• Age: The most significant risk factor.

• Genetics: Family history, APOE4 gene variant increases risk.

• Chronic inflammation: Contributes to neurodegeneration.

• Oxidative stress: Damages brain cells over time.

• Cardiovascular disease: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity increase risk.

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Increases susceptibility.

• Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet: Influence brain health and resilience.

More Severe Causes (Complications):

• Complete memory loss: Inability to recognize loved ones or personal identity.

• Loss of independence: Inability to perform daily activities like eating, dressing, or bathing.

• Increased risk of infections: Due to immobility and weakened immune function.

• Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms: Depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations.

• Malnutrition and dehydration: From forgetting to eat or drink.

• Death: Typically from complications like infections or organ failure in the advanced stages.

When to See a Doctor or Specialist:

• Noticeable memory loss affecting daily function

• Difficulty with language, problem-solving, or familiar tasks

• Mood changes, confusion, or disorientation

• Family history of Alzheimer’s with early signs

• To rule out other causes of cognitive decline (e.g., vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders)

Natural remedies for Alzheimer's Disease

Mediterranean or MIND Diet: Rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, fish, and whole grains; supports brain health and reduces inflammation. Helps lower the risk of cognitive decline.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Support brain cell membrane integrity and reduce neuroinflammation. Found in fatty fish, flaxseed, or supplements.

Regular Physical Exercise (Aerobic + Strength Training): Improves blood flow to the brain, supports neurogenesis, and reduces cognitive decline. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Cognitive Stimulation (Puzzles, Learning, Social Engagement): Keeps the brain active and engaged, enhancing neural connections. Include reading, games, social activities.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods (Berries, Green Tea, Turmeric): Combat oxidative stress that contributes to brain aging. Include daily servings for neuroprotection.

Curcumin (Turmeric Extract): Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; may reduce beta-amyloid accumulation. Consume as part of meals or supplements.

Vitamin D: Supports brain health and immune function. Maintain optimal levels through sunlight or supplementation.

B Vitamins (B6, B9/Folate, B12): Lower homocysteine levels, associated with brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Include in diet or as supplements.

Ginkgo Biloba: Traditionally used to improve blood flow to the brain and cognitive function. Available as a standardized extract.

Stress Reduction (Meditation, Yoga): Reduces cortisol levels, which can impair memory and cognition. Practice regularly for mental health.

Ingredients

These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Alzheimer's Disease

2-(carbamimidoyl-methyl-amino) ethoxyphosphonic acid
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Acacetin
Acai berry
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetylcholine
Agmatine
Akkermansia muciniphila
Algae
algal oil
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
alpha-lipoic acid
amentoflavone
amino acids
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ampelopsin
aniracetam
anserine
anthocyanins
apigenin
apocynin
Aronia melanocarpa
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
astragaloside
avocado
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
baicalein
baicalin
Basidiomycota
benfotiamine
berberine
beta caryophyllene
beta-hydroxybutyrate
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium longum
bilobalide
black garlic
black seed
black tea
blueberry
brahmi
broccoli
butylphthalide
butyrate triglyceride
butyric acid
C-phycocyanin
caffeic Acid
caffeine
Camellia sinensis
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caprylic acid
carnosic acid
Carnosine
caryophyllene
catalpol
catechins
centrophenoxine
Chinese Ligustrum berry
Chinese salvia root
chokeberry
choline
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
cistanche
citicoline
cocoa
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Convolvulus prostratus
creatine
crocetin
crocin
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cyanidin
cyclodextrin
cytidine
d-alpha tocopherol
decursin
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
dihydrolipoic acid
docosahexaenoic Acid
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
Ecklonia
eicosapentaenoic acid
ellagic acid
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epicatechin
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
ergothioneine
estrogen
fatty acids
ferulic acid
fisetin
fish
fish oil
fish protein
flavanols
flavanones
flavans
flavones
flavonoids
flavonols
flavonones
fo-ti
fungus
galantamine
gallate
gallic acid
gamma tocopherol
ganoderma
garcinol
gastrodia
gastrodin
genistein
ginkgetin
ginkgo biloba
ginkgo flavone glycoside
ginkgoheteroside
ginkgolides
Ginkgoside
ginseng
Ginsenosides
Glucoraphanin
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
grape
green tea
Gypenoside
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
Hericenones
hericium mushroom
hesperetin
hesperidin
Homotaurine
Honokiol
huperzine A
hydroxytyrosol
Hyperoside
icariin
iridoids
isoliquiritigenin
isovitexin
Kaempferol
ketone salts
l-carnitine
L-carnosine
L-serine
L-theanine
Lentinula edodes mycelia
lingzhi
lion's mane
lipids
lutein
luteolin
Lycium
lycopene
magnesium
magnolol
malvidin
mangiferin
Marine fat
Marine lipid
Maslinic acid
Matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
Melatonin
Methoxylated flavones
Methylcobalamin
Monoterpenes
Monounsaturated fat
Morus
Mulberroside A
Mulberry
Myricetin
Myricitrin
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
NADH
Naringenin
Naringin
Nervonic acid
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
Nigella seed
Nobiletin
Norvaline
Oleuropein
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
Osthole
oyster mushroom
paeoniflorin
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phosphatidylcholine
phosphatidylserine
phospholipids
Phycocyanin
phytocannabinoids
Phytoestrogens
Piperine
Polydatin
Polygala
polygala root
polymethoxylated flavones
polyphenols
polysaccharides
polyunsaturated fat
pomegranate
pregnenolone
punicalagins
Pycnogenol
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
pyrroloquinoline quinone
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
rhizome
rosemary
rosmarinic acid
royal jelly
S-allylcysteine
saffron
Safranal
sage
Salidroside
Salmon Oil
Salvianolic acid
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sarcosine
Schisandrins
Schizochytrium
Schizochytrium Oil
selenium
Selenocysteine
Shankhpushpi
Shilajit
Shogaol
Solanaceae
Soy
soy isoflavones
Stilbenoid
Sulforaphane
sulforaphane glucosinolate
Syringic acid
Tangeretin
Taurine
Taxifolin
terpene lactones
Terpenoids
Theaflavin
Tinospora cordifolia
tocotrienols
Trans-pterostilbene
Trehalose
Tremella
tributyrin
Triterpenes
Tumerone
turmeric
Turmerones
ubiquinol
Uncaria
Uridine
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
Vinpocetine
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
Walnut
Withanolides
Wogonin
Xanthohumol
Xanthophyll
Xylaria nigripes
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)