The Alzheimer's Foundation of America and the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation, among others, recognize that proper nutrition for brain health is crucial for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Many Alzheimer's patients, for a variety of reasons, have problems eating, and Oriental herbs can help fill some of the nutritional gaps related to under eating or not eating a balanced diet.
Ginkgo Biloba
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recognize that ginkgo biloba is helpful in both prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for memory, brain function and cognition. Ginkgo has anti-clotting and antioxidant properties that, along with eating a balanced diet and undertaking stimulating activities, can help keep Alzheimer's at bay.
Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyl)
Research at Oregon Health & Science University shows that Gotu Kola, used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, can help replaced the deficits caused by Alzheimer's disease. Gotu Kola works by increasing circulation to the brain and as an antioxidant for nitric oxide, the main oxidant that builds up on the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Gotu Kola is not as well known as ginkgo, but it is gaining popularity and, like ginkgo, can be easily taken as a tea or in a capsule.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea helps many of the precursors and symptoms of Alzheimer's, including stress, depression, lethargy and memory loss. Rhodiola rosea works by reducing oxidative stress and stimulating neurotransmitters to increase the body's resistance to stress. Acetylcholine is one neurotransmitter that is both stimulated by Rhodiola rosea and a key component to improving and retaining memory.
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