Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, devastating disease that typically occurs in older adults and elderly individuals. Alzheimer's disease causes brain tissue to degenerate, leading to declining memory, mental functioning, social abilities and various other psychological and behavioral problems. Certain herbal remedies may help to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease or ease some of its symptoms. As with any medication, herb or supplement, you should consult your doctor beforehand to discuss any potential side effects or negative interactions.
Ginkgo
Taking ginkgo leaf extract may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and boost memory. Ginkgo is the most researched herb for treating Alzheimer's disease, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A 2007 study of 400 people found that taking 80 mg of ginkgo three times each day for 22 weeks eased Alzheimer's symptoms substantially better than the placebo. The participants who took ginkgo extract reported significant improvements in anxiety, apathy, irritability, depression and sleep, the University of Pittsburgh notes. Four double-blind clinical trials found that taking ginkgo extract helped to slow down Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, and that the herbal remedy was equally effective in improving memory and quality of life as the prescription drug donepezil, says the University of Michigan Health System. Ginkgo's blood-thinning effects also help in treating vascular dementia. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 40 mg to 50 mg of gingko standardized extract three times daily.
Huperzine A
Huperzine A is an herbal remedy made from Chinese club moss, also known as huperzia, that seems to have similar effects as certain prescription dementia drugs, specifically cholinesterase inhibitors, the Mayo Clinic says. Huperzine A contains plant-based alkaloids that help to decrease memory loss and improve mental functioning. Three double-blind studies of a total of more than 450 individuals conducted in China found that using huperzine A substantially improved Alzheimer's symptoms, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. To improve memory, you should take 200 mcg of huperzine A twice daily, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Lemon Balm
Taking 60 drops of lemon balm extract tincture daily may help to improve your cognitive function if you have mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, according to one medical study. The double-blind clinical trial studied lemon balm for four months and also found that the herbal tincture helped to decrease agitation in Alzheimer's patients better than the placebo, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
Sage
Another double-blind study found that taking sage for 16 weeks significantly improved cognitive function in people with Alzheimer's disease compared to placebo, possibly by affecting the chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. The sage study participants took 60 drops of the herb tincture daily, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Like the lemon balm study, the sage trial saw the mental improvements in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Periwinkle (Vinpocetine)
Periwinkle might be a helpful herbal remedy for Alzheimer's disease due its chemical derivative, vinpocetine. Vinpocetine may help to treat cognitive impairment and memory loss associated with Alzheimer's, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A four-month-long, double-blind clinical trial of 203 individuals with dementia found that vinpocetine was significantly more effective in treating symptoms than the placebo. Taking 10 mg to 40 mg twice each day of vinpocetine may improve your mental functioning by boosting blood flow to the brain, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Bacopa
Taking bacopa leaf extract may boost your brain function and ability to learn. Bacopa hasn't been studied in people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, but several clinical trials indicate that the herb's constituents may help to treat Alzheimer's symptoms. For example, a double-blind study found that taking 300 mg of standardized bacopa extract over the course of three months improved some measures of memory, learning and other cognitive functions, notes the University of Michigan Health System.
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