Category: Brain / Memory Health

Treatment of Dementia in Ayurveda with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Dementia is a neurological disorder in which there is an impairment of memory and language. The brain, spinal cord and nerves make up the nervous system and they control all the working of the body. When there is something wrong in this nervous system then the person is facing symptoms like trouble in moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing, loss of memory, etc. In general, neurological disorders are the disorders that affect the brain as well as the nerves. There are approximately 600 neurological disorders and some of the examples are dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, meningitis, encephalitis, etc. So in this article, we are going to discuss Dementia and its Ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Dementia is a general term used for loss of memory, language, problem solving and other thinking abilities. This disease interferes with the daily activities of the patient. This is not a specific disease, but several diseases can cause this disease known as dementia. This disease generally involves memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older patients. Dementia is a general term used for the impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions that interfere with day to day activities. This disease manifests as a set of related symptoms that usually happen when the brain is damaged by injury or any disease.

Dementia

Ayurvedic aspect

We can correlate this disease with Vata roga. Vata is the predominant dosha that causes the symptoms of neurological diseases. Vata has a chal guna that means mobility. Due to this property, it is responsible for this condition. Acharya Charak mentioned that the vata disorders are caused due to the vitiation of vayu that takes place from either wasting of dhatus or obstruction in passage of vessels.

Acharya Charak also mentioned that due to rough diet, cold diet, consumption of little food, excessive coitus, faulty therapeutic management, excessive movements such as leaping, jumping, wayfaring and physical exercise, wasting of dhatus, excessive emaciation due to anxiety, grief and illness, uncomfortable bed and seat, anger, day sleep, fear, suppression of urges, ama dosha can cause the vitiation of vata dosha. This vitiated Vata dosha can lead to the symptoms like contractures, stiffness in joints, crepitations in bones and joints, horripilation, delirium, stiffness in hands, back and head, limping, crippledness, humpedness, drying of organs, sleeplessness, destruction of fetus, sperms and ovum, pulsation, numbness in organs, crookedness of head, nose, eyes, clavicular region and neck, tearing, piercing pain, distress, convulsion, mental confusion and exhaustion.

Etiology/Causes

This disease is caused by damage to the brain. This disease occurs when the part of the brain that involves learning, memory, decision-making and language is affected. The other causes of dementia can be grouped as:

  • Degenerative neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, etc
  • Vascular disorders such as multi-infarct dementia
  • Infections that affect the central nervous system such as HIV, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, etc
  • Long term drug or alcohol use
  • Depression

Clinical features/Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of this disease are:

  • Forget recent events or information
  • Repeating comments or questions
  • Experiencing a change in mood, behavior or interests
  • Inability to remember and make decisions
  • Talking and finding the right words is difficult
  • Change in sleeping pattern
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Anxiety
  • Behavioral symptoms such as agitation, restlessness, etc

Stages of dementia

The course of this disease is described in four stages

  1. Pre-dementia stage
  2. Early stage dementia
  3. Middle stage dementia
  4. Late stage dementia

1. Pre-dementia stage

This stage can include pre-clinical and prodromal stages. In the preclinical stage there is sensory dysfunction, loss of sense of smell, depression, loss of appetite. There is damage in the chemosensory networks and in the prodromal stage, there is a mild cognitive impairment and mild behavioral impairment.

2. Early stage

In this disease the symptoms become noticeable and the symptoms may interfere with daily activities. The symptoms include memory difficulty, word finding problems, and problems with recalling events.

3. Middle stage

When dementia progresses, the initial symptoms get worse. In this stage, a person loses almost all the new information. A patient may be severely impaired in solving problems and also their social judgment. Due to these symptoms these patients should not be left alone.

4. Late stage

In this stage, patients need assistance with most or all their personal care. A patient needs 24 hour supervision in this stage to ensure their personal safety. These patients are not aware of common dangers so they need full assistance. Commonly, they even do not recognize the familiar faces. This is the most severe type of dementia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of this disease is quite difficult due to many diseases and conditions that cause it. However, a doctor makes a diagnosis of this disease on the basis of personal medical history, review of current symptoms and laboratory tests, imaging tests such as CT scan (Computed tomography), MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and PET scan (Positron emission test).

Also the patient undergoes mental function tests such as memory tests,language skills, reasoning and judgment evaluation, problem- solving tasks, and other thinking skill tests

Ayurvedic herbs for dementia

In Ayurveda, we have wonderful nerve tonic herbs for the treatment of dementia. The herbs provide nourishment to the neurons and brain cells. They enhance or boost up the memory power and also rejuvenates the health of the brain cells. These herbs increase the coordination between brain neurons thus these properties help in improving short and long term memory. Some wonderful nervine tonic herbs are

1. Brahmi: Its botanical name is Bacopa monnieri. Its Raspanchak (Ayurvedic medicinal Properties) is as follows:

  • Ras (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)
  • Guna (Property) – Laghu (Light)
  • Virya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
  • Vipaka (Post digestion effect) – Katu (Pungent)
  • Dosha Shamak – It pacifies Vata and kapha dosha
  • karma (uses) – Medhya (Brain tonic), shotha har (Anti-inflammatory), anidra (Insomnia), Unmaada (Mental disorders), Apasmar (Epilepsy)

2. Ashwagandha: Its botanical name is Withania somnifera. Its Raspanchak (Ayurvedic medicinal Properties) is as follows:

  • Ras (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter), Katu (pungent) and madhur (Sweet)
  • Guna (Property) – Laghu (Light) and Snigdha (Unctuous)
  • Virya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
  • Vipaka (Post digestion effect) – Madhur (Sweet)
  • Dosha Shamak – It pacifies vata and kapha dosha
  • karma (uses) – Chinta (Stress), Unmaada (Mental disorders), Apasmar (Epilepsy), murcha (fainting), Avsaada (Depression)

3. Jatamansi: Its botanical name is Nardostachys jatamansi. Its Raspanchak (Ayurvedic medicinal Properties) is as follows:

  • Ras (Taste) –  Tikta (Bitter), madhur (sweet) and Kashay (astringent)
  • Guna (Property) – Snigdha (unctuous) and laghu (light)
  • Virya (Potency) – Sheet (Cold)
  • Vipaka (Post digestion effect) – Katu (Pungent)
  • Dosha Shamak – It pacifies vata, pitta and kapha dosha
  • karma (uses) – medhya (brain tonic), anidra (insomnia), sangyasthapan (unconsciousness), deepan (digestive), shirshoola (headache), unmada (Mental disorders)

4. Vacha: Its botanical name is Acorus calamus. Its Raspanchak (Ayurvedic medicinal Properties) is as follows:

  • Ras (Taste) –  Tikta (Bitter) and katu (pungent)
  • Guna (Property) – laghu (light) and tikshna (sharp)
  • Virya (Potency) – Ushna (hot)
  • Vipaka (Post digestion effect) – katu (pungent)
  • Dosha Shamak – It pacifies vata and kapha dosha
  • karma (uses) – sangyanaash (unconsciousness), medhya (brain tonic), unmada (mental disorders), Apasmar (epilepsy), agnimandya (indigestion), aruchi (anorexia)

5. Gotukola: Its botanical name is Centella asiatica. Its Raspanchak (Ayurvedic medicinal Properties) is as follows:

  • Ras (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter)
  • Guna (Property) – Laghu (Light)
  • Virya (Potency) – Sheet (Cold)
  • Vipaka (Post digestion effect) – Madhur (Sweet)
  • Dosha Shamak – It pacifies pitta and kapha dosha
  • karma (uses) – Unmada (Mental disorders), Apasmar (Epilepsy), murcha (fainting), Avsaada (Depression), smriti naash (loss of memory), Agnideepak (digestive stimulant)

6. Jyotishmati: Its botanical name is Celastrus paniculatus. Its Raspanchak (Ayurvedic medicinal Properties) is as follows:

  • Ras (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter) and katu (pungent)
  • Guna (Property) – Tikshna (sharp)
  • Virya (Potency) – Ushna (Hot)
  • Vipaka (Post digestion effect) – Katu (pungent)
  • Dosha Shamak – It pacifies Vata and kapha dosha
  • karma (uses) – Avsaada (Depression), smriti naash (loss of memory), sangyanaash (unconsciousness), Chinta (Stress)

Herbal remedies for the treatment of dementia

We have a wonderful herbal manufacturing company that provides various herbal products for the treatment of various health ailments. Planet Ayurveda is the company that manufactures its own herbal products. These products are made with adherence to ancient ayurveda. All the herbal products are made from natural herbs with ancient time tested formulas and also form in the standardized extracts of potent herbs. Their herbal products include herbal capsules, herbal tablets, herbal powders, herbal teas, herbal oils, herbal juices etc. The herbal products that are offered by this company for dementia are:

  1. Ashwagandha capsules
  2. Brahmi capsules
  3. Stress support
  4. Calm easy
  5. Gotu Kola capsules
  6. Shankhpushpi capsules
  7. Saraswatarishta

Products description

1. Ashwagandha capsules

This is a single herbal formulation. This is an effective stress relief herbal supplement. It is useful in neurological conditions. These capsules are made from the standardized extracts of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb effectively acts as a nerve tonic. It enhances physical as well as mental stamina. This is a natural rejuvenator that helps in maintaining the health of the brain cells. This is a wonderful herb in the Ayurveda medical system.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

2. Brahmi capsules

This single herb is the most effective memory boosting herbal supplement. This is the world famous memory enhancing herb. This is made from the standardized extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). This herb increases concentration, stamina and helps in mental fatigue. Due to these properties this herb is very beneficial in treating dementia.;

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

3. Stress Support

This is a poly herbal formulation that acts as an effective stress reliever formula. This herbal formulation contains powerful herbs to relieve stress, dementia such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). It improves memory and mental concentration. This is the best natural remedy for insomnia and depression. It prevents oxidative damage to the brain cells and a natural mood elevator. It helps in increasing the memory and concentration power. Due to this, this capsule is the best natural remedy for dementia.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

4. Calm easy

This herbal product is very beneficial in brain disorders. It contains herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) that provide relief from various neurological conditions and also these herbs helps in pacifying vata and pitta dosha. Vata is the main cause of neurological disorders. It relaxes the body and reduces the number of thoughts. It enhances memory, grasping power and learning capacity. It also provides relief from hypertension.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

5. Gotu Kola capsules

This is the best herbal remedy for anxiety, depression and memory. It is useful for lack of concentration, low memory. This wonderful herbal remedy is made from the standardized extracts of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). This herb improves circulation, alertness and helps in relaxation. It is traditionally used in enhancing memory power and boosting concentration. Due to this it is very useful in treating dementia.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

6. Shankhpushpi capsules

This Planet Ayurveda product is a great herbal product for enhancing memory. This is useful in cold, cough, and headaches as well. It is considered as an anti-ageing & also improves life longevity. This capsule is made from the standardized extracts of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus prostratus). It manages diseases like dementia, insomnia, low power of concentration, poor memory, indigestion, constipation, etc.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water

7. Saraswatarishta

This is a herbal supplement in liquid form. It is a wonderful herbal supplement for brain disorders. This herbal product is made from the extracts of herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vidari (Pueraria tuberosa), Pippali (Piper longum), Trivrit (Operculina turpenthum), etc. This is a memory tonic and good for people of all ages.It is mainly used in mental conditions. This herbal medicine is used in the treatment of insanity, epilepsy, dementia, insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice a day after meals with equal amount of water

Conclusion

As we saw that this disease is a combination of many symptoms and Vata is the main dosha that is responsible for dementia. So above mentioned herbal products are very beneficial in treating this condition. These herbal supplements can be taken for a longer duration without any side effects. These products are free from chemicals and additives. That is why this Ayurvedic treatment is so pure and worthwhile. Hence we can manage this condition by proper diet and lifestyle along with herbal supplements. For more enquiries you can visit www.planetayurveda.com

Treatment For Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (JC-Virus)

Abstract

PML is a brain disorder caused by JC virus. JC or John Cunningham virus is a common germ and half of all adults have been exposed to this virus. There is no way to keep yourself from getting it. This virus was first discovered in 1971. It affects the patient’s brain. This is a neurotropic virus that may bind to the cell surface of specific brain cell types. This is responsible for fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system which is known as PML. The John Cunningham virus has been detected in neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. In this article we are going to discuss PML and its Ayurvedic treatment.

Introduction

PML stands for Progressive-Multifocal-Leukoencephalopathy. This is a rare and fatal viral disease which is characterized by progressive damage or inflammation of the white matter or we can say that this is a disease of the white matter of the brain. This could be caused at multiple locations in the brain. This disease is mainly caused in those patients who are immune compromised and in those patients who have weak immunity. PML is an aggressive viral disease of the central nervous system. It attacks the cells that make myelin (fatty substance which coats and protects nerve fibers in the brain). This disease affects virtually any part of the body and also this is a life-threatening condition.

Etiology/Causes

This disease as discussed above is mainly caused by JC virus. This virus is normally present inside the body of the individual and kept under control by our immune system. If our immunity is strong then this virus will no longer cause any harm to the body. But if a person is immune compromised then this virus will show harmful effects  tinhe body. 

Other known causes are

Person who is suffering from AIDS

  • Immunosuppressive medications for longer period of time
  • Multiple sclerosis medications  
  • Autoimmune disorders

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Who will get this virus

There is no exact idea who is prone to this virus. But some known facts are

  • Children who are addicted to eat soil
  • Low immunity

Clinical features/Sign and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can develop over several weeks to months and also depend on the location of damage in the brain. The person who is having PML will show the following symptoms

  • Clumsiness
  • Progressive weakness
  • Visual and speech changes
  • Personality changes
  • Facial drooping
  • Mental slowness
  • Loss of language skills
  • If this virus affects the parietal and occipital lobes of the brain then it can leads to a phenomenon which is known as Alien hand syndrome

Pathogenesis

As mentioned above, this disease affects the myelin sheath so it is known as a demyelinating disease. It damages the myelin sheath which covers the axons of the nerve cells, which further impaired the transmission of nerve impulses. It mainly affects the subcortical white matter, which is particularly present in the parietal and occipital lobe.

Diagnosis

This disease is diagnosed on the basis of progressive course of the symptoms of PML. Some diagnostic tests for this disease are

  • Lumbar puncture: This test is done for the diagnosis of this disease by taking samples of the spinal fluid and tested further for detecting JC virus antibodies.
  • Blood tests: Blood samples can reveal the presence of JC virus antibodies in the blood. 
  • Imaging tests: CT scan images show multifocal, non-contrast, hypo-dense lesions without mass effect. But MRI is more sensitive than CT scan. 
  • Brain biopsy: In this technique a piece of tissue is removed from the patient’s brain and examined under a microscope. 

Treatment

In allopathic medicine, there is no specific treatment for PML. No drug effectively treats the viral infection. The treatment aim is to reverse the immune deficiency to stop the disease progress. If a patient is using immunosuppressant drugs then stop the medications. This is the way to treat the PML by improving the immune system. One more thing we can do is via plasma exchange. This procedure will help in clearing the system by removing drugs that caused PML.

If a person is having PML due to HIV-AIDS, then we can use highly active antiretroviral therapy. This drug helps in reducing the viral reproduction.

Complications

This disease shows the following complications as this is a life threatening condition

  • Dementia
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Herbal treatment for Progressive multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

<span “>In Ayurveda there is a better treatment protocol for this disease. There are some herbal remedies for this disease. Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal treatment for this disease. Basically this is a manufacturing company which manufactures several herbal products by using their standardized extracts. These products are made under the guidance of expert Ayurvedic physicians.

 Following herbal products are useful in PML disease

  1. Shilajit Capsules
  2. Boswellia Curcumin
  3. Musli Strength
  4. Giloy Capsules
  5. Memory Support
  6. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  7. Neuro plan Syrup
  8. Energo plan Syrup

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Product Description

1. Shilajit Capsules

This is a single herbal formulation. These capsules are best for weakness due to any reason and these capsules are made from the standardized extracts of Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabianum). This is an effective anti-aging and a powerful rejuvenator. This is also the best antioxidant product. This herbal product provides good results in PMl disease. 
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

2. Boswellia Curcumin

This is a poly herbal formulation. It is an effective combination of anti-inflammatory herbs. This combination is made by using the standardized extracts of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). This combination reduces inflammation and also helps in fighting against foreign bacterial and viral infections as it contains Curcumin (Turmeric) which has antiseptic properties. It also improves the overall joint health. 
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

3. Musli Strength

These capsules are a poly herbal formulation. This product provides regenerative powers as it contains the standardized extracts of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These herbs are best for enhancing stamina. This product is useful in enhancing immunity as it is an Oja vardhak which is an immunity in Ayurveda.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

4. Giloy Capsules

This single herbal product is the best supplement for fever and immunity. This product is made by the standardized extracts of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). This is a wonderful antipyretic herb. It has anti-inflammatory properties also. This Ayurvedic herb helps in enhancing immunity of the individual. It also helps in the cases of infection. Giloy is an anti-arthritic, antipyretic and digestive.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

5. Memory Support

This poly herbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda is the best herbal supplement for central nervous system diseases. It helps to increase memory and overcome stress and anxiety. It is made by using the standardized extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This product gives new life to dying brain cells and improves the body’s defense mechanism.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

6. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation in a tablet form. This formulation is used in various Vata disorders. This formulation is made using the following purified compounds such as Swarna bhasma (Gold calx), Rajat bhasma (Silver calx), Abhrak bhasma (Mica calx), Mukta bhasma (Pearl calx) etc. This classical product is used in the treatment of paralysis, epilepsy, neuralgia, neuropathy etc. It is a good anti-aging medicine. It helps in reducing the symptoms of PML
Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day with plain water after meals

7. Neuro plan Syrup

This is an Ayurvedic medicine in a syrup form. This syrup is helpful in maintaining the health of the neurons. It boosts the memory and strengthens the nerve cells. This syrup is made by using wonderful herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. It balances the tridosha. This wonderful syrup helps in fighting against parkinsonism, dementia, cerebral atrophy etc. 
Dosage: 2 teaspoonful twice a day after meals

8. Energo plan Syrup

This formulation helps in boosting the energy of the body, as this disease causes weakness in the body. This herbal syrup has cooling, calming and soothing effects on the body. This herbal product is made from Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) etc. This is a natural energy booster. It strengthens the body and stamina quickly. 
Dosage: 2 teaspoonful twice a day after meals

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

We concluded at last that Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy disease is a life-threatening disease and could take away life if not treated timely and properly. As we can see that there is no proper treatment in Allopathic science for this disease. So its better to adapt Ayurveda for better treatment and for better prognosis. Ayurvedic treatment is not only treating the symptoms but also helps in treating the disease from its root cause. So Planet Ayurveda products show good results in this disease.