Alternative disease treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most devastating diseases in the world. It can be heartbreaking for a family to learn that somebody they love is suffering with the debilitating disease. When an individual learns that they have Alzheimer’s disease, it is essentially a death sentence. It is a death sentence that can slowly change your life forever. The disease is incurable, as scientists and researchers have not yet been able to determine the cause, let alone the cure of the disease. Nevertheless, there are a number of disease treatments that may reduce the negative affects of the symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease was originally described by Alois Alzheimer and, therefore, was named after him. The disease causes a degeneration of the healthy brain tissue, leading to memory loss, sensory loss, and the eventual loss of body functions leading to death. Other symptoms include a disorientation of life, loss of the ability to read or write, and severe changes in personality. For example, Alzheimer’s disease may eventually cause an individual to grow angry, bitter, or withdrawn. The gradual degeneration of the healthy brain tissue means that as time goes on, the individual suffering from Alzheimer’s will continually grow more and more dysfunctional.
The frightening nature of the disease is cause for researchers to continue searching for a way to reduce the pain associated with the disease; to find any way help the individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s. In addition to the usual medication treatment that most disease treatments resemble, there has been a number of alternative disease treatments available for Alzheimer’s.
Ranging from supplements to normal everyday behavioral changes, these alternative disease treatments help those suffering with Alzheimer’s continue to be a part of society. There is considerable controversy associated with some of these disease treatments, with those against them citing a lack of proof regarding their safety and effectiveness.
The rest of this article focuses on some of the more popular disease treatment alternatives for Alzheimer’s disease:
1. Coenzyme Q10
Also known as ubiquinone, Coenyzme Q10 is an antioxidant that is naturally part of the body. The compound has been taken in the past to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but a synthetic version called idebenone has not been proven to help as a disease treatment. The compound could also be harmful if too much is taken.
2. Coral calcium
These supplements have claimed to be an alternative disease treatment for many serious illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. The FDA filed a complaint against the distributors of coral calcium, citing that there is no scientific evidence supporting their claims, and that lying about the claims is unlawful. Health experts do not recommend taking coral calcium, however, as it does not offer any additional health benefits.
3. Ginkgo biloba
A plant extract that has compounds beneficial for the body, Ginkgo biloba is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. It has been used in China and Europe extensively.
However, in regards to Alzheimer’s disease, Ginkgo biloba was not found to make a significant impact as a disease treatment.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega 3s are fatty acids that are a disease treatment that is seen as providing a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. It has been approved by the FDA to be displayed on supplements and foods as beneficial. It also has been thought to help with problems of cognitive decline or dementia, one of the most problematic symptoms of Alzheimers.