Alzheimer’S Disease: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the degeneration of brain cells, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia.

The exact causes of Alzheimer's disease remain unknown, but factors such as genetics, age, and lifestyle contribute to its development. If left untreated, Alzheimer's disease can lead to severe health impacts, including loss of motor skills, difficulty with daily tasks, and emotional distress. Herbal remedies, such as Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, and Ashwagandha, have been studied for their potential to alleviate Alzheimer's symptoms by improving memory and cognitive function.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or have adverse effects in certain individuals.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of alzheimer’s disease, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of alzheimer’s disease?

The main causes of Alzheimer's disease are multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

The most significant risk factor is age, with the majority of cases occurring in people over 65 years old. Genetic mutations, such as the presence of the APOE-e4 allele, can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by 2-15 times. Other contributing factors include atherosclerosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which can lead to the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.

Additionally, lifestyle factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have also been linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

• APOE-e4: The presence of the APOE-e4 allele is the strongest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, as it increases the risk of developing the disease by 10-15 times compared to individuals without this allele.
• Age: Age is the most significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, with the risk increasing exponentially after the age of 65, as the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain, and the resulting neuronal damage, accelerates with age.
• Family History: A family history of Alzheimer's disease increases an individual's risk, as the presence of genetic mutations or other risk factors in their family can contribute to the development of the disease.
• Traumatic Brain Injury: Severe traumatic brain injury, particularly in older age, can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the injury can lead to chronic brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and the activation of neurodegenerative pathways.
• Diabetes: Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as high blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins in the brain.
• High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can accelerate the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can contribute to the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can accelerate the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• Sleep Apnea: Chronic sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic sleep deprivation and inflammation in the brain can contribute to the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• Stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can accelerate the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can accelerate the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can contribute to the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.
• Smoking: Tobacco smoking can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as the resulting chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can accelerate the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for alzheimer’s disease?

The main medicinal herbs used for alzheimer’s disease are Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale, Avena sativa, Crocus sativus.

Ginkgo biloba improves memory and cognitive function by enhancing blood flow to the brain due to its flavonoids and terpenoids. Bacopa monnieri increases choline acetyltransferase activity in the brain, enhancing acetylcholine production, which is essential for memory and learning. Curcuma longa (Curcumin) reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, while Panax ginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza improve cognitive function by increasing blood flow and antioxidant activity.

Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) have neuroprotective and antioxidant effects, while Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Avena sativa (Oat) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and Crocus sativus (Saffron) improves mood and cognitive function.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help with Alzheimer's disease by improving blood flow to the brain and enhancing cognitive function through its flavonoid and terpenoid compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Bacopa monnieri: Bacopa monnieri may help with Alzheimer's disease by increasing the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and improving memory and cognitive function due to its bacosides, which have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa may help with Alzheimer's disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain through its curcumin compound, which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng may help with Alzheimer's disease by improving cognitive function and memory through its ginsenosides, which have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Salvia miltiorrhiza: Salvia miltiorrhiza may help with Alzheimer's disease by improving blood flow to the brain and reducing inflammation through its salvianolic acid compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica may help with Alzheimer's disease by improving memory and cognitive function through its asiaticoside compounds, which have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera may help with Alzheimer's disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain through its withanolides, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale may help with Alzheimer's disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain through its gingerols and shogaols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa may help with Alzheimer's disease by reducing anxiety and stress, which can contribute to cognitive decline, through its avenacosides, which have anxiolytic and sedative effects.
• Crocus sativus: Crocus sativus may help with Alzheimer's disease by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain through its crocin and safranal compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the main herbal preparations used for alzheimer’s disease?

The main herbal preparations used for alzheimer’s disease are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Powder, Gel, Suppository, Cream, Pills, Liquid Extract, Salve.

Decoction is prepared by boiling plant parts in water to release active compounds that can help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which are key factors in Alzheimer's disease. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from the plant's root or leaves, often used in combination with other herbs to improve memory and cognitive function. Capsules and Pills containing standardized extracts of herbs like Bacopa monnieri and Ginkgo biloba have been shown to improve memory and cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Additionally, topical preparations like Gel, Suppository, Cream, Salve, and Powder containing herbs like Ashwagandha and Curcuma longa have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the progression of the disease.

• Decoction: A decoction of Ginkgo biloba leaves and stems helps with Alzheimer’s disease by improving blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and cognitive function, and reducing oxidative stress.
• Tincture: A standardized tincture of Bacopa monnieri leaves helps with Alzheimer’s disease by increasing acetylcholine levels, enhancing memory and cognitive function, and improving mood.
• Capsule: A capsule containing a standardized extract of Curcuma longa rhizomes helps with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation, improving memory and cognitive function, and preventing neuronal damage.
• Powder: A powder made from the roots of Withania somnifera helps with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing oxidative stress, improving memory and cognitive function, and enhancing the growth of new neurons.
• Gel: A gel made from a standardized extract of Aloe barbadensis leaves helps with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation, improving memory and cognitive function, and preventing neuronal damage.
• Suppository: A suppository made from a standardized extract of Panax ginseng roots helps with Alzheimer’s disease by improving blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and cognitive function, and reducing oxidative stress.
• Cream: A cream made from a standardized extract of Hypericum perforatum flowers helps with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing oxidative stress, improving memory and cognitive function, and enhancing mood.
• Pills: Pills containing a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves help with Alzheimer’s disease by improving blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and cognitive function, and reducing oxidative stress.
• Liquid Extract: A liquid extract of Melissa officinalis leaves helps with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing anxiety and stress, improving memory and cognitive function, and enhancing mood.
• Salve: A salve made from a standardized extract of Commiphora mukul gum resin helps with Alzheimer’s disease by reducing inflammation, improving memory and cognitive function, and preventing neuronal damage.