Alzheimer's Disease And The Effectiveness Of Complementary Health Approaches

Alzheimer's Disease And The Effectiveness Of Complementary Health Approaches

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With the increase of natural health remedies for many diseases and patients, there have also been many approaches that have been tried with Alzheimer's disease. Since Alzheimer's disease is a disease that has no known cure at this point, there has been a great effort to alleviate the pain, discomfort, and behavioral symptoms associate with the disease.

Can Complementary Health Approaches Help Alzheimer's Patients?

All research answers this question with a resounding yes! Complementary health approaches are those which are used in conjunction with other medical and health interventions. They are not intended to be used on their own or as replacements to more prescribed or traditional interventions.

It is very important with Alzheimer's patients that their caretakers know everything about the treatment as some these natural treatments are not monitored as the regular treatments. Herbal remedies, acupuncture, massage, and exercise are some of the health remedies.

The outcome of these researches are that the regular treatments are very effective when it is combined with these natural health remedies. Apart from that it should also be mentioned that there was much research done regarding to health remedies and many more researches are following.

What Complementary Health Approaches are Available?

Supplements made of herbal

Gingko biloba is very effective with memory function. Even though many herbal supplements are researched for Alzheimer's disease. Nothing has given promising result like gingko biloba.

Some research has shown that some patients with unspecified forms of dementia may, in fact, benefit from gingko biloba supplements. The herb is said to enhance memory function and cognitive awareness - sharpening the exact brain functions most affected by dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It is important to remember that, but as with any other herbal supplement, gingko biloba may have side effects and may also interact with prescription medications. It should only be used in conjunction with other therapies and a doctor's supervision.

Acupuncture

It is now mostly accepted by westerners too as a potential cure. It treats many problems like migraines and long term pain. Acupuncture is used for thousands of year by chinese as their traditional treatment.

A recent study at both the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women in Wellesley, Mass. and the University of Hong Kong, did report positive and promising results in small studies on the effect of acupuncture on Alzheimer's patients.

Ten people with Alzheimer's disease and one with vascular dementia were treated with acupuncture twice a week for three months during the Wellesley study. Measuring cognitive functioning and mood, the study demonstrated that the acupuncture positively affected the patients and improved both mood and cognitive function. The study at the University of Hong Kong treated eight patients Alzheimer's for 30 days each and demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function, verbal communication, gross and fine motor coordination as well as a decrease in the overall severity of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Massage

But there was not a great deal of research that correlates massage and Alzheimer's. But limited research that have been done shows that massage can bring down the agitation and anxiety levels of affected persons. There was many researches going on in the field of massage. Massage is also considered as an alternative treatment for many general health problems.

Exercise

The benefits of exercise as a complement to any health approach has been repeated demonstrated to be beneficial. The same is true for Alzheimer's patients as long as a trained professional is advised and supervising the program and exercises. Light exercises, as well as those specifically designed for Alzheimer's patients, can be extremely beneficial in improving mood, coordination, and even behavior.

How Can I Find Complementary Health Interventions?

You can always start with your physician or medical doctor. They should be able to point you in the right direction. Most medical practitioners dealing with Alzheimer's patients understand the value of utilizing a variety of approaches to treat the disease. Many may, in fact, suggest such complementary treatments themselves.

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About the Author:
Blue Heron Health News is a leading publishing company in the industry of natural health. Their natural health publications include an all natural dementia remedy.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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