Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that impairs memory and cognitive abilities. According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia among older people and affects 5.1 million Americans. Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors may all play a role in the onset of Alzheimer's. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but drugs designed to slow disease progression are available. Some herbs may help to improve brain function, but scientific evidence to prove that they can treat Alzheimer's disease is limited.
American Ginseng
American ginseng may have neuroprotective effects, according to a research article published in September 2008 in the "Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials." The article's lead author, S.Q. Hu, reports that extracts of American ginseng reduced cell death in an animal model of Alzheimer's's disease. Short-term use of American ginseng is likely safe for most people, notes MedlinePlus. However, it may cause side effects including insomnia, headache, a rapid heart beat and diarrhea. Do not use American ginseng if you have diabetes as it may lower your blood sugar levels. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant or have a hormone-sensitive condition. American ginseng may also exacerbate schizophrenia and insomnia.
Ginkgo Biloba
The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, notes that ginkgo biloba may be a useful treatment for early-stage Alzheimer's disease. In addition, an analysis of clinical data published in March 2010 in "BMC Geriatrics," found that ginkgo biloba appears to be more effective than placebo in treating Alzheimer's-related dementia. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that ginkgo biloba may cause side effects including nausea, dizziness, allergic reactions and diarrhea. Do not take this herb if you have a bleeding disorder, take anticoagulant drugs or are due to undergo surgery as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
Bacopa
An extract of the herb known as bacopa may improve brain function, notes the UMMC website. Data from a study published in January 2010 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that bacopa enhanced cognition reduced neurodegeneration in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. Lead author, N. Uabundit, suggests that this herb may act as a neuroprotectant against Alzheimer's disease.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Disease Fact Sheet
- UMMC: Alzheimer's Disease
- PubMed: Neuroprotective Effects of Water Extracts of American Ginseng on SH-SY5Y Cells Apoptosis Induced by Abeta25-35
- MedlinePlus: American Ginseng
- PubMed: Effects of Ginkgo Biloba in Dementia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- NCCAM: Ginkgo
