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Alzheimer's Disease
DESCRIPTION
A neurodegenerative brain disease that occurs in the elderly, Alzheimer?s disease (AD) causes loss of memory, mental function, communication skills, and changes in personality. Not part of the normal Aging process, AD induces nerves in the brain to become entangled, eventually forming senile plaques. This entanglement hinders nerve function, and leads to complete loss of nerve transmission.
Researchers have not yet determined a specific cause of AD. Some speculate a lifetime of metal deposits, such as aluminium, may contribute to development of the disease. Others say it could be genetic, or a combination of both factors. Treatment for AD currently focuses on aiding neurotransmission in nerve cells that remain functional.
HERBS
Ginkgo biloba (7)
Gotu Kola (8)
Peppermint
Siberian Ginseng (9)
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Coenzyme Q10 (1)
Kelp
Phosphatidylserine (2,3)
B Complex
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12 (4)
Vitamin C (5)
Vitamin E (5)
Zinc (6)
REFERENCES
1. Imagawa M, Naruse S, Tsuji S, et al. Coenzyme Q10, Iron, and vitamin B6 in genetically-confirmed Alzheimer?s disease. Lancet 1992;340:671 [letter].
2. Crook T et al. Effects of Phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer?s disease. Psychopharmacol Bull 1992;28:61-66.
3. Delwaide PJ, et al. Double-blind randomized controlled study of Phosphatidylserine in senile demented patients. Acta Neurol Scand 73(2): 136-140, 1986.
4. Cole MG and Prichal JF. Low serum vitamin B12 in Alzheimer-type dementia. Age Aging, 13:101-05, 1984.
5. Morris MC, Beckett LA, Scherr PA, et al. Vitamin E and Vitamin C supplement use and risk of incident Alzheimer disease. Alz Dis Assoc Disorders 1998;12:121-26.
6. Constantinidis J. Alzheimer's disease and the Zinc theory. Encephale 16: 231-239, 1990.
7. Le Bars PL, Katz MM, Berman N, et al. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial of an extract of Ginkgo biloba for dementia. North American EGb Study Group. JAMA 1997;278:1327-32.
8. Chopra RN. Indigenous Drugs of India, 2nd ed. Calcutta: Arts Press, 1933.
9. Zhou DH. Preventative geriatrics: an overview from traditional Chinese medicine. Amer J Chin Med 1982:10(1-4):32-39.
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