We reviewed plenty of natural remedies for dementia that affected individuals can try out. These five are amongst the more effective ones.
Keep in mind that there is still no cure for dementia but the natural treatments can come in handy to relieve symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and slow down disease progression.
Here are some of the natural dementia treatments you can try out if you are already living with the illness.
Best Natural Remedies for Dementia
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the spices that has been used for ages to IMPROVE symptoms of aging including oxidation of cells and inflammation.
The yellow powder is said to have magical anti-inflammatory properties.
It is perhaps one of the reasons cases of dementia are low in Asian countries because they not only use it when cooking but turmeric is a key herb in ayurvedic medicines.
Recent studies also show that it can help enhance some dementia symptoms like the ability to focus, memory loss, and pain that arthritis causes.
2. Massage
There is evidence alleging that that massage can help with the management of an array of dementia symptoms.
Massage also helps to promote relaxation as the practitioner manipulates the body’s soft tissues with their hands. There are different types of massages which means that a person can choose the one they enjoy the most.
In many cases, massage is used alongside aromatherapy which is the use of certain essential oils that helps ENHANCE cognition and mood in persons who have dementia.
You can add the oils to a person’s bath, applied directly on the skin, or heated in a burner to release a pleasant aroma.
This is where an individual with dementia gets to take part in group exercises and activities that help to enhance language ability, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Some studies show that CST is most beneficial for persons with mild or moderate dementia.
4. Laughter Yoga
There is truly no exaggeration to the saying “laughter is the best medicine.” Laughter yoga presents some healing properties to persons who are living with dementia.
Participants get to practice deep breathing with physical movements as well as stimulated laughter. It primarily encourages silliness and playfulness which usually leads to contagious real laughter.
The idea was introduced to the world in 1995 by Madan Kataria an Indian doctor. There are MANY BENEFITS that people with dementia get from laughter yoga. This includes improving mood, as well as reducing agitation and anxiety.
Additionally, participants will laugh even when they do not understand the punch line or joke.
5. Routine Physical Exercise
Depending on what a person can do, it is advisable for everyone who has dementia to get up and move. Exercise is one of the most effective natural remedies for dementia.
Working out is also a great way to get rid of excess weight that can also be the cause of an array of health issues. Keep in mind that you should do all these exercises safely and appropriately.
Closing Remarks
When it comes to natural remedies for dementia, it is important to note that some of them may advertise perks that have not yet been proven by clinical studies or scientific research.
It is, therefore, important to contact your doctor before you start taking anything that claims to help with dementia to be on the safe side.
In the quest to uncover products that can help people with dementia, we investigated increased interest in the link between creatine and dementia.
Creatine seems like it is playing a MAJOR ROLE in maintaining your cellular energy balance.
Does creatine help dementia?
A huge percentage (85%) of creatine is found in the muscles and the rest is found in other tissues like the retina and the brain.
Thus, creatine supplementation can improve your memory and cognitive abilities.
Creatine’s main responsibility is to supply energy to your cells in the body.
Creatine and Neurological Research
Research published in the Journal of Neuromolecular Medicine creatine suggests that the organic acid is effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease some of the common types of dementia.
This is mostly because creatine enhances cellular energy deficits in the brain tissue.
Consequently, this HELPS reduce a majority of the symptoms of these neurodegenerative conditions.
Clinical trials on the link between creatine and dementia revealed that creatine supplementation may slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The supplements appear to have long-term benefits for individuals who have PD.
A study was done on the long-term effects of creatine supplementation looking into the potential side effects. Researchers observed 60 aged patients monitoring them for 2 years.
Some participants were given 4g/d of creatine while others received a placebo.
The main aim of the study touching base on the connection between creatine and dementia was to ensure proper renal function while using creatine supplements for neurological illness.
The study reported that elderly people with Parkinson’s disease tolerated creatine well. Renal or kidney function remained within normal limits.
An OCCASIONAL stomach upset was the only serious side effect that affected the participants.
Is creatine good for memory?
Some studies also indicate that creatine supplements may IMPROVE memory and concentration in healthy individuals. Even those who are suffering from early stage Alzheimer’s disease another common cause of dementia.
In 2003, researchers published evidence that taking creatine can boost mental performance.
This is after researchers conducted a study involving 45 participants.
After taking 5-g of creatine supplement daily for 6 weeks, the participants recorded better scores on intelligence and memory tests. Especially for tasks that they took under time pressure than the participants who were taking a placebo.
Another study published back in 2007 indicated that creatine supplementation helps cognition in the elderly. Participants of this study took 5-g supplement 4 times a week before taking spatial and number tests.
People taking creatine supplementation perform better
The people who were on the supplement performed better than the ones taking the placebo.
The June 15th issue of the Journal of Neuroscience indicated that creatine may offer protection to people who have Alzheimer’s. This is after a study was conducted on mice.
The animals were fed on creatine and after some time, they experienced protective effects on their brain.
A team of scientists from leading US research institutes including Cornell University and Harvard Medical.
School tested creatine on mice that had been given the gene for Huntington’s disease.
The professionals concluded that creatine supplementation in mice greatly improved survival, decreased bodyweight loss, slowed down brain atrophy development, and enhanced motor performance.
4.2 STARS
Orange or grape flavor
144 wafer chews
4 wafers (5 gms)/day
1.25gms of creatine per wafer
Tasty
Easy to chew (no swallowing capsules)
Creapure- quality
Artificial flavors
Sweetened with sucrose and dextrose
Marketed for muscle build/strength
Some say not easy to chew
Some don't like chalky texture
Creatine and Dementia Closing Thoughts
When it comes to the connection between creatine and dementia, there MAY BE HOPE for persons who have neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
Further research, however, needs to be done to present more conclusive results on whether creatine supplementation can help persons who have various types of dementia.
Bonus: What is Creatine
We can describe creatine (more popular in the athletic world than in neuroscience) as a nitrogenous organic acid made in the human body from three amino acids L-methionine, glycine, and L-arginine.
Amino acids are referred to as protein building blocks that are derived from dietary protein.
The body makes about one or TWO GRAMS of creatine daily. Organic acid makes up about 1% of the total volume of blood in the human body.
Creatine is produced in the pancreas, liver, and kidneys.
Humans CAN GET creatine from foods like meat and fish. People can also get organic acid from supplements.
The supplements are widely available and a person does not need a prescription to take them.
There are several uses of this organic acid some of which are supported by research and they include:
Enhancing Athletic Performance
Athletes use creatine supplements to help improve performance, especially when taking part in high-intensity training.
It is one of the most popular supplements amongst men who participate in sports like baseball, football, wrestling, and lacrosse.
Furthermore, it is one of the common supplements used in the manufacture of sports nutrition supplements and drinks.
Increases Body Mass
Older people mostly use creatine supplements to increase body mass. There are claims that when there is an increase in creatine content in the muscles, a person will get greater body mass.
Repairing Damage after Injury
Evidence suggests that creatine supplements may be useful when it comes to preventing muscle damage as well as enhancing the recovery process after a person experiences an injury.
Additionally, it may also have an antioxidant effect after a session of resistance training. Individuals may also experience less cramping after taking the supplements.
Some studies suggest that the supplements may also play a role in the rehabilitation of the brain as well as other injuries.
Some evidence suggests that it can help treat various medical conditions including but not limited to muscle diseases, MS (multiple sclerosis), congestive heart failure, diabetes, depression, Parkinson’s disease, and many others.
Creatine may also prevent skin from aging and enhance cognitive ability.
After getting to know what creatine is and how it can help people let’s look into the link between creatine and dementia.
After a positive dementia diagnosis, some people may ask how do you treat dementia naturally.
Before answering this question, it is important to note that there is currently no cure for dementia.
Affected persons can, however, take some steps that will help to treat symptoms of the illness or help slow down its progression.
There are two ways of doing this.
The first includes taking medication while the other focuses on alternative treatments.
Natural Treatments for Dementia
The primary aim of treatment is to create a better quality of life for ill individuals. Below we will highlight some of the options available when a person wants to treat dementia naturally.
Eating a Healthy Diet
Some studies confirm that diet plays a vital role in slowing down the progression of dementia.
Some foods like leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, herbs, some oils (CBD oil, olive oil, etc.), nuts, fruits, cruciferous vegetables, and other superfoods come highly recommended not only for treating the disease but reducing its risk as well.
Use of Supplements
Supplements are another answer given to the question of how do you treat dementia naturally.
Several supplements are known to be beneficial to persons suffering from dementia.
The most popular one is Ginkgo biloba which comes from trees from the Maidenhair tree.
It is in use in America for years, but it still needs a prescription in many countries in Europe.
Ginkgo biloba is said to have three primary active ingredients namely bilobalide, ginkgolides, and flavonoids that help in promoting blood flow, inhibiting inflammation, and reducing the damage that free radicals cause.
Numerous trials reveal that the supplement helps to improve cognition in individuals with dementia. Other supplements that people with the neurodegenerative illness can try include Omega-3 fatty acids, Ginseng, Vitamins B12 & B9, Vitamin E, Huperzine, and Vitamin D.
Remember to exercise extreme caution when taking supplements because, in most cases, the remedies are not regulated.
It is always best to consult your doctor before you start taking any supplements.
A professional occupational therapist can work with individuals with dementia as well as their families to teach coping behaviors.
The expert can also offer insight on how to modify the affected person’s living space to make it safer and more comfortable.
This is one to manage behavior, prevent accidents like slipping and falling, and also prepare everyone involved for dementia progression.
Music Therapy
This can help to promote relaxation and reduce agitation especially if it involves listening to soothing music.
What’s best, almost everyone can introduce music therapy to their lives.
Pet Therapy
The therapy involves the use of domestic animals like cats and dogs. This has been known to improve the behavior and moods of people with dementia.
Art Therapy
This entails getting weak individuals to participate in creative art focusing on the process instead of the results.
Reality Orientation Training
This comes in handy as the disease continues to progress and a person starts to forget important details. It involves going over basic things like the time, date, and person’s name.
Bright Light Therapy
Many people who have dementia will experience sleep disruptions because the disease affects the region of the brain that regulates the circadian rhythm that tells the body when to wake up and sleep.
Light therapy can help to restore a person’s sleep-wake cycle. Not to mention, bright light therapy works in reducing agitation, too.
Aromatherapy
This is the use of essential oils to improve well-being. A short-term study revealed that therapy can help improve thinking abilities in seniors.
Some oils commonly used for aromatherapy include lavender, lemon, rosemary, and orange.
Reminiscence Therapy
This involves the process of allowing persons with dementia to remember the good old days.
In short, you can do reminisce therapy by talking about their past life, viewing pictures and videos, or listening to music that helps them remember treasured memories.
Exercise
Exercise is another solution available for persons asking how do you treat dementia naturally.
Persons with dementia can get multiple benefits from exercising. These include enhanced balance, strength, and cardiovascular health.
Experts also explain that exercise can help to effectively manage symptoms like restlessness.
Additionally, staying physically active can help a person sleep better.
Growing evidence also reveals that exercise can help protect the human brain from dementia especially when it is combined with treating cardiovascular disease risk factors and a healthy diet.
Research also states that physical activity can help reduce depression symptoms as well as slow down the progression of impaired thinking in persons who have dementia.
Exercise does not have to be something strenuous that will end up frustrating an individual. It can be something light and enjoyable such as gardening, taking walks, swimming, and dancing.
The workouts must also be safe to do depending on a person’s ability.
Coconut Oil
Processed coconut oil contains a fatty acid known as caprylic acid.
The body breaks down this acid into a protein known as ketone. For your information, Ketasyn is a drug that uses a similar protein.
Some researchers claim that individuals who took Ketasyn recorded less cognitive decline and improved memory performance.
Instead of taking the drug, some individuals are taking processed coconut oil to reap the benefits.
Acupuncture
Some people believe strongly that acupuncture can help in dementia treatment. This is why we had to include it as one of the responses of how do you treat dementia naturally.
The therapist uses needles to stimulate the body while improving energy flow.
Some studies show that acupuncture can help improve cognitive function and mood for people with dementia.
Others claim that it can help to relieve pain and increase energy levels. This is worth trying out as it presents little risk.
A licensed and trained practitioner must, however, perform the therapy.
Reflexology
This is the practice of careful hand and foot massage with the aim of alleviating pain and reducing distress.
Massages for a long time have been known to improve the quality of life for individuals who have dementia. It can also help to brighten up someone’s mood.
Social Interaction
Some problems that people with dementia face stem from social isolation. It is one of the main reasons social interactions are a part of the answers to the query of how do you treat dementia naturally.
Psychosocial interactions can help improve cognition and the general well-being of persons who have dementia.
Sensory activities are also important especially when the affected individuals have challenges with communication because they can help identify new ways to communicate with peers and caregivers.
These can include things like dancing and art activities like pottery.
Challenging the Brain
Another way you can treat dementia naturally is through keeping the brain active. If the impaired person enjoys Sudoku or crossword puzzles, set time apart for them to engage in these activities.
If they do not like such, caregivers must identify some of the hobbies that the person with dementia may like.
This can be anything from going to church for service, listening to music, playing an instrument, cooking, playing card games, reading a book, or other mentally engaging activities.
The internet is a great resource for cognitive games that individuals with dementia can try out to keep their brains active and healthy.
Quality Sleep
A good night’s sleep is another solution available for people seeking answers to how do you treat dementia naturally.
Persons who have dementia may have problems with sleeping. Some may end up sleeping too much during the day and end up tossing and turning most of the night.
Lack of sleep can worsen a majority of dementia symptoms.
This is why caregivers and family members need to ensure that their loved ones who have dementia get enough rest and quality sleep each night.
An individual may have to go through cognitive behavioral therapy that can help improve insomnia symptoms and those of depression as well.
Sticking to a schedule can also help a person know when it is time to sleep.
If you cannot solve the problem at home, do not shy away from consulting a doctor who will offer a practical solution.
Closing Thoughts
Even though dementia may not have a cure yet, it does not mean that a person with the disease has to suffer immensely for the rest of their lives.
Above are some of the examples of natural treatment that individuals with dementia can try out to improve quality of life and relieve some negative symptoms that are brought by the disease.
Because there are several options, caregivers should make sure that they only explore the ones that are working with a particular individual.
Some persons may find some options too patronizing. Drop them immediately and try others until you identify the ones that bring out the best results.
For years, researchers have been investigating the link between the benefits of consuming walnuts and dementia lowered risk or treatment.
This is in a bid to identify foods or snacks that can either help prevent the development or progression of the illness. Professionals have been collecting data indicating that eating walnuts reduces inflammation and oxidative stress that builds up in the human brain as individuals grow older.
Many believe that oxidative stress and inflammation that occurs throughout an individual’s lifetime causes aging.
As time goes by, human bodies lose the ability to clean up the mess that occurs on a cellular level.
The build-up that occurs in the brain is partially responsible for the cognitive decline that elderly persons experience.
The concept of walnuts and dementia was borrowed from Greeks who believed in the “Doctrine of Signatures.”
This implies that a specific food item affects the body part that it resembles. For instance, walnuts resemble the brain; hence, walnuts improve brain health according to the “Doctrine of Signatures.”
Benefits of consuming walnuts
There are several reasons researchers consider the consumption of walnuts beneficial to persons who have dementia or are at the risk of developing the illness.
1. Walnuts have several components that are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This helps to protect cells and fight off inflammation.
2. The nuts are a great source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. These are no strangers to helping boost brain health according numerous studies.
3. Walnuts contain healthy fats that do a great job at nurturing the body’s cardiovascular and nervous system. Studies show that omega 3 fatty acids present in the nuts can improve things like blood pressure, abnormal heartbeats, and triglyceride levels.
4. English walnuts contain phytochemicals that include numerous polyunsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for brain health.
5. Walnuts are rich in polyphenolic compounds that improve interneuronal signaling, reduce inflammatory and oxidant load on brain cells, and boost neurogenesis.
6. Walnuts contain huge amounts of PUFAs like LA and ALA that are known to boost brain function and health even when a person is aging.
7. The nuts have polyphenols that promote neuronal calcium homeostasis on the hippocampus and striatum regions of the brain. These are regions that are essential for secondary and primary memory functions.
8. Walnuts also contain melatonin a bioactive compound that is responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. A melatonin deficiency has been known to result in cognitive impairment and dementia.
Supplementation with walnuts can improve cognition
Both human and animal studies from various researchers propose that supplementation with walnuts in a person’s diet can improve cognition.
A diet that includes walnuts is said to have beneficial effects on learning, memory, anxiety, motor coordination, and locomotor activity. Human clinical trials also suggest that the consumption of walnuts is associated with improvement in memory and better cognitive performance.
Some experts through observational studies have confirmed that older people who eat walnuts tend to experience better brain function which can include better mental flexibility, faster processing speed, and improved memory.
Alzheimer’s is one of the most common causes of dementia. Below, you can find some of the studies that investigated the link between walnuts and dementia.
Studies on walnuts and dementia connection
A Study Citing Walnut Enriched Diet May Improve Memory
A study conducted by the New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities confirmed what many experts say about walnut consumption and dementia. The researchers gave mice an equivalent of 1/4 cup of walnuts daily.
The professionals then tested their subjects to mazes and experiments that tested their psychomotor skills, coordination, and learning ability. The researchers found that the group of mice that were eating walnuts performed way better than the mice that were not on the diet.
Abha Chauhan the lead researcher was on record saying that there was a follow-up study suggesting that walnut extract could protect the brain from a protein known as beta-amyloid. This is the protein that often appears in the brain of individuals who have Alzheimer’s.
This is one of the discoveries that might help professionals with the development of novel treatments that can help people who have Alzheimer’s.
A Study Explaining Walnuts May Slow Cognitive Decline in At-Risk Seniors
A study conducted by researchers in Spain and California concluded that eating walnuts may help slow cognitive decline in elderly persons who are at risk. The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition explained that healthy seniors who consumed walnuts affected their cognitive function.
The study observed almost 640 free-living elders in California, Loma Linda, Spain, USA, Catalonia, and Barcelona. The test group ate walnuts every day for 2 years while the control group did not have any walnuts.
The principal investigator Joan Sabate MD, DrPH, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at Loma Lina University stated that this was one of the most-controlled and largest trials that have been conducted in regards to the effects of nuts on cognition.
He further explained that even though the study produced a minor result, there may be better outcomes if the study was conducted for longer periods. Based on the findings, Sabate said that the need for more research to find out the perks of including walnuts in a person’s diet is still necessary.
Worth noting is that the research team was one of the pioneers to uncover the lowering effects of cholesterol when eating walnuts. These findings were published in 1993 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Additionally, researchers from Loma Linda University found that nut consumption relates to the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Closing Thoughts
Although numerous studies investigated walnuts and dementia, more research is still necessary.
The data collected through future research will ascertain whether or not the consumption of walnuts has a significant impact on brain function and health as people grow older.
Keep in mind that most studies confirm that the brain prefers the whole nut rather than the supplement.
You may be interested in reading more about the benefits of people with cognitive decline eating a variety of nuts and dementia.
