The accumulation of wisdom and precious memories are just a couple of the advantages of growing older. Sadly, Alzheimer’s disease can rob us of these valuable memories, which makes up a good chunk of who we are. Statistics show that 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease causes the brain to deteriorate, which eventually leads to the decline in mental and physical abilities. During the progression of the disease, the nerve fibers surrounding the hippocampus, which is the brain’s memory center, becomes crossed and tangled. This occurrence makes it impossible to store or retrieve information. Additionally, the brain also suffers a decline in the concentration of neurotransmitting materials, which do further damage to the body’s communication network.

Causes of Alzheimers

Making a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is difficult because it is hard to differentiate it from other acceptable norms of brain deterioration in some elderly people. However, through the wonders of modern medicine and hi tech brain scans, it is now possible to see a buildup of amyloid plaques in extensive areas of the brain with a constant loss of neurons in that part of the limbic pathway that drives memory progression.

Alzheimer’s is a considered a metabolic degenerative process, therefore it is not easy to point to a single origin. However, genetics may play a role, in which an abnormality of a gene that is responsible for the production of a certain blood protein that carries cholesterol to tissues. This gene is called apolipoprotein E.

Just like genetics, environmental causes can also play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s like a severe head injury, extended exposure to aluminum or silicon, exposure to harmful toxins, and free-radical damage.

Herbs For Alzheimers

Garlic – Garlic has been shown in animal studies to slow the deterioration of the brain in laboratory rats with Alzheimer’s disease. Eat plenty of garlic. Try to eat at least six cloves every day, or you can just take garlic supplements.

Ginkgo – Ginkgo reduces anxiety, short term memory loss, depression, inability to concentrate, and confusion when taken in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Vitamin B12 – A B12 deficiency could mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. Even a mild deficiency can cause neurological disorders and memory loss.

Treatment For Alzheimers

Carnitine – Carnitine is an amino acid that provides the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles with energy by transporting fatty acids to the cells. This amino acid can slow the rate of decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Coenzyme Q10 – Helps transport oxygen to the cells and improve brain function.

Vitamin E – Also helps to transport oxygen to cells in the brain. If taken early enough, it could help to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, or retard their progress.

DHEA – Enhances memory, improves, cognitive function.