According to the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India, five out of 100 elderly in India have dementia – a term used to describe a group of symptoms such as forgetfulness, loss of judgement skills, confusion, and ability to think. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
How the brain gets affected
Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition where excessive proteins build up in and around the neurons. The reason for this is still being studied but scientists believe that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors play a role.
Because of the pile-up of proteins, there is poor communication between two neurons, which affects brain function and leads to symptoms such as:
- Forgetting the names of known people and familiar objects
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty in completing familiar tasks
- Difficulty in solving problems
- Confusion with time and place
- Poor judgement
- Difficulty in speech
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
As the condition progresses, physical functions such as swallowing, bladder control, and balance are also affected. These symptoms greatly interfere with functioning in daily life.
Read more about Alzheimer’s disease here.
Comprehensive medication
Dr Aadil Chimthanawala, Homeopathy consultant, Aadil Homeo Heart Care Centre, Mumbai, says, “There are many medicines in homeopathy that can help in slowing down the progression of the condition. If managed in the early stage, it can also lead to good quality of life.”
Homeopathic medicines are prescribed after taking a thorough history of the person. Dr Chimthanawala says, “The genetic history, different aspects of mind and body, the emotions and personality of the person, and how they react to their surroundings are some of the things considered while selecting a suitable remedy.”
He adds that even if the person has other conditions, the physician still gives a single remedy which will help to manage other ailments in the body.
For example, if a person with Alzheimer’s has stomach complaints, homeopaths choose a single medicine that can help manage both the ailments.
Homeopaths also prescribe medicine based on how any condition is progressing and if the onset of the condition was sudden or gradual.
Not just medicines
Adding to the medicines given, Dr Iswarya Suresh, consultant at Sri Sai Sudha Homeo Clinic, Bengaluru, says, “The basic emotional needs of the person with Alzheimer’s must also be taken care of.” Care, love, empathy and constant support from family members can improve the emotional state of the person, adds Dr Suresh.
Don’t forget the caregivers
It is important to care for the caregivers as well. A study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology highlights the aspect that family caregivers go through financial, emotional and physical stress in addition to work-related stress. They experience a rollercoaster of emotions such as sadness, anger and despondence. Their mental and physical health need to be addressed.
Risk factors
The study also suggests that people need to stay informed of the risk factors and lifestyle modifications required to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.
The risk factors include sedentary lifestyle along with ageing and genetic history. High cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, lack of regular exercise, and lack of intellectually stimulating activities are some of the lifestyle factors that need to be taken care of as one ages.
Keeping the disease at bay
According to 2021 research, Alzheimer’s can be delayed by as many as five years by having a cognitively active lifestyle. In other words, keep challenging your brain to do complex tasks whether you are alone or socialise with family and friends.
Cognitive activities involve reading, reasoning, sequencing and remembering things which are important for maintaining a healthy brain. One can also take up activities like memory games, crossword, jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, card games and chess to keep the brain active.
Apart from brain-related activities to maintain healthy cognitive functioning, a study indicates that physical activity can also help in delaying cognitive decline and in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle tips for seniors
Experts suggest the following practices to keep the brain functioning healthy for long.
- Reading – including books of chosen genres, magazines or news
- Socialising with friends: a study emphasises that social engagement reduces the risk of dementia.
- Eating a balanced diet: Dr Suresh suggests eating soaked almonds, cashew, dry figs, dates, and raisins. (Check with your nutritionist before adding these to your diet.)
- Have adequate sleep: an optimum of eight hours, say experts
- Include stress-busting and relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, Tai Chi in your routine
- Develop a positive mindset about ageing or any nagging issue, for that matter: researchers stress that positive viewpoint about age can reduce the risk of dementia.
