Dementia is characterized by a gradual decline in brain function. Symptoms may include memory and thinking problems and difficulty in making judgments. There are a number of forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and vascular dementia. There is no cure for dementia, although drugs such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and anti-psychotics may help slow decline and control symptoms. Psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy may also be helpful. Herbal treatments may play a role in dementia management, although there is little scientific proof to support their efficacy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that may help treat early Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, according to the UMMC. However, MedlinePlus notes that findings from early clinical studies that evaluated ginkgo biloba as a dementia treatment may not be reliable. Ginkgo biloba is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, although some side effects may occur -- stomach upset, headache and constipation. Do not take ginkgo biloba if you are pregnant, suffer from a bleeding disorder or if you have had a seizure. Avoid this herb if you are taking anticoagulant drugs or are about to undergo surgery, because ginkgo biloba may increase bleeding, MedlinePlus says.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, may improve cognitive function in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, the UMMC says. In addition, data from a study presented at the British Psychological Society's conference in 2003 showed that lemon balm improves learning and information retrieval. However, the study's lead scientist, Dr. Andrew Scholey, notes that it's too soon to say whether lemon balm can help patients with Alzheimer's disease. Lemon balm may work by increasing the activity of acetylcholine, a chemical linked to memory function.
Bacopa
Bacopa, also known as bacopa monnieri, is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to boost brain function, the UMMC says. Although the effects of bacopa have not been evaluated in people with dementia, a study published in the January 2010 issue of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows that bacopa improves spatial memory in an animal model. Lead author N. Uabundit notes that bacopa may enhance cognitive ability and may act as a neuroprotectant against Alzheimer's disease.
