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Home Remedies and Herbs for Dementia

What is Dementia?

Dementia describes a condition that is characterized by the loss of cognitive function, including memory loss.1 It is not a specific disease; rather, it describes a group of symptoms.2 Dementia usually occurs in the elderly, but it is not a normal effect of aging.1 Dementia patients may have a difficult time caring for themselves and may need help eating, dressing, and handling finances.1

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia occurs due to damaged brain cells.3 The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer's, which accounts for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases.3 Alzheimer's is a condition in which high levels of certain proteins make it difficult for brain cells to communicate with each other and remain healthy.3 The second most common type of dementia is vascular dementia, which occurs after a stroke.3 Other causes of dementia may include:

  • Head injuries
  • Tumors
Other disorders like Parkinson's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.4 Many types of dementia are progressive, which means that you may not notice them at first and that they get worse over time.5 Progressive dementias can’t be reversed. However, in some cases, the symptoms can be treated. For example, patients with hypothyroidism, B12 deficiencies, or fluid buildup in the brain may experience dementia symptoms, but treating the condition can help the dementia.4

Dementia Symptoms

Dementia is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Difficulty problem solving
  • Difficulty handling complex tasks
  • Difficulty planning
  • Difficulty organizing
  • Confusion5
Loved ones may also notice personality changes, depression, anxiety, or inappropriate behavior in a person who has dementia.5 Although dementia patients experience memory loss, there are many other causes of memory loss, so experiencing memory problems does not necessarily mean you have dementia.6

Dementia Natural Treatment and Alternative Options

Although there is no dementia natural cure, there are medications and dementia home remedies that can slow the progression of its symptoms. Consider these dementia alternative options:

  • Gotu Kola - Gotu Kola is a plant native to Asia that can help enhance memory. This is one of the dementia herbal supplements that you can take in pill form.
  • Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is a dementia natural treatment that contains fatty acids, which help slow the brain’s deterioration. Take a tablespoon orally twice per day to enjoy its benefits.
  • Yokukansan - Yokukansan is a mixture of dry herbs that can help with dementia symptoms. Brew an 8 ounce glass of yokukansan tea daily to benefit from its effects.
  • Ginkgo Biloba - This plant helps you improve and retain memory. You may take it in pill form twice daily, although it’s best to avoid if you are pregnant, have had a seizure, or suffer from a bleeding disorder.7
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3 fatty acids and the DHA in them can help prevent or slow brain deterioration by reducing beta-amyloid plaques.8 You can get these nutrients through fish like salmon, tuna, or trout, or you can take fish oil supplements in pill form.

References

  1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/dementia
  2. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dementia.html
  3. http://www.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp"
  4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uf4984
  5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20198504
  6. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/home/ovc-20198502
  7. http://www.livestrong.com/article/296399-herbs-for-dementia/
  8. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia/alzheimers-and-dementia-prevention.htm

Home remedies, herbs, and food supplements for Dementia

Coconut Oil is the most effective natural product for Dementia CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Product 1 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids. The compounds in these fatty acids can help protect the brain from the deterioration dementia often is associated with. A tablespoon twice a day is sufficient. You can make a salad dressing with it or take it right out of the jar. The calories are a bit high but it has such wonderful benefits.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola Product 2 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

This particular herb is good for dementia as it can help enhance memory. It can be taken in pill form. Taken with 8 ounces of water at least once a day may help improve cognitive function in patients with the disorder.

ASEA

ASEA Product 3 of 52

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Method of use: Oral

Take ASEA on an empty stomach. Mix two ounces of ASEA with about eight ounces of water. Drink this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It may help to increase brain activity. Frequently, the deterioration of the cells surrounding brain tissue is what causes dementia. When ASEA is used, it may slow the degeneration.

Yokukansan

Yokukansan Product 4 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

This particular remedy is a combination of many different herbs. The uses for dementia are simple. Being a staple in oriental medicine it may be effective as a tea taken at least once a day. Brewing it in about 8 ounces of hot water looks to be the best way to use it. It is unclear on the amount to use. Checking with a qualified professional regarding this is best.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba Product 5 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

Ginkgo is an herb that can be taken in pill form. When purchased in a store, take one pill at least twice a day. You can take the pill up to three times a day to help improve and retain memory.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Product 6 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

CDP-Choline

CDP-Choline Product 7 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

Sargassum

Sargassum Product 8 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

Fish Oil

Fish Oil Product 9 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral

Cistanche Deserticola

Cistanche Deserticola Product 10 of 52

Effectiveness Score

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Method of use: Oral