Alzheimer’s Disease

MEANING
Alzheimer is defined as a typical neurological disorder affecting brain to a great extent and resulting in loss of memory. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician, found this disease in 1906 and defined it as a typical brain disorder. Abnormal behavioral and thinking patterns are the byproduct of this disease, including short-term memory. This is a form of dementia, generally identified with loss of memory and different old age ailments. Medical experts place it in the category of fatal diseases as it spoils the brain cells which are never regenerated.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Loss of memory.
• Abnormal behavior and related signs.
• Destroys capability to think and analyze.
• Alzheimer patients are generally not able to express their views and feelings to anyone. They can not share their feelings and emotions with others and become a victim of a typical anxiety.
• It becomes difficult for them to manage common day-to-day tasks. Eating, washing, dressing and other such work are a nightmare for them. The situation worsens with time.
• Most of the patients of Alzheimer’s disease forget their relatives, friends and surroundings.
• Depression is a common trait among them.

CAUSES

• Alzheimer attacks in old ages. Researches show that this disease worsens with age. It easily attacks people who are in their last phase of life.
• Some studies show that, Alzheimer is a genetic disorder.
• Rarely, youngsters get affected with this disease in severe traumatic situations.
• Studies are going on to trace out the root cause of this disorder. But they have not yet got any clues. So, the exact reason behind this fatal disease remains unknown.

YOGIC MANAGEMENT
Several asanas or poses are suggested to deteriorate the progress of this disease. These include:

• Ardha Matsyendrasana.
• Ushtrasana or camel pose.
• Simhasana or lion pose.
• Standing yoga asanas, including Tadasana or Pal tree pose.
• Sitting poses include Gomukhasana or cow face pose.
• Purvottanasana, Navasana, Pawanmuktasan and Matsyasana are the other yogic poses that are beneficial.
• Bhujangasana or cobra pose.
• Parvatasana or mountain pose.
• Ardha Chakrasana or half moon poses.
• Shalabhasana or locust pose.
• Dhanurasana or bow pose is also helpful.
• Sarvangasana and Viparita Karani are very effective inverted yogic asanas.
• Balancing poses include Pranayamas or breathing exercises.

HOME REMEDIES

• Walking is very effective. A reliable person can accompany an Alzheimer patient while walking. It enhances his or her (Alzheimer patient’s) ability to communicate.
• Calming and soothing music may be a good option as it relaxes such patients. This also corrects their behavior.
• Bright light therapy is suggested to reduce wandering problems and insomnia, or sleeplessness. Pet dogs and other animals can help them in appropriating social behaviors.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

• Ayurvedic remedies such as Winter cherry or Withania somnifera are very helpful in treatment. They decrease the stress and anxiety.
• Brahmi or Herpestis monniera enhances grasping and learning skills.
• Ginkgo or Ginkgo Biloba is a popular cure for dementia. It enhances blood flow (to the brain).
• American ginseng or Panax quinquefolium and Asian ginseng or Panax ginseng are also helpful.
• Huperzine or Huperzia serrata and Nicotine or Nicotiana tobaccum may give relief.
• Physostigmine or Physostigma venenosa and Snowdrop or Galanthus nivalus are also popular medications.

CONCLUSION
Alzheimer has no permanent cure unfortunately. The growing rate of the disease can be decreased with the help of medical and yogic intervention.

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