Alternative Treatments for AD

More information about alternative treatments for The can be found in a recent issue of the association’s monthly newsletter. To receive 3 free issues of the newsletter and a guest membership to the association, click here.

Conventional health-care providers rely on sound science and established medical practices to treat people with the disease (AD). So it might come as a surprise to discover that some AD individuals also rely on alternative medicine to treat their symptoms. Alternative medicines (AM) are practices, treatments, and interventions outside the arena of standard medical therapy.

Ginkgo biloba
One readily available "alternative" medication is Ginkgo biloba, a plant extract that may have positive effects on cells within the brain. Ginkgo is thought to act as both an antioxidant and an antiinflamatory, protect cell membranes, and regulate communication between brain cells.

A study by Dr. Pierre Le Bars, of the New York Institute for Medical Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) notes that Ginkgo biloba has a slightly positive effect in individuals with the disease (AD). This preliminary study was one of the first clinical studies of ginkgo and dementia in the U.S. and yielded only moderate results.

According to Dr. Steven DeKosky, chair of the Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, "further research is needed in order to determine exactly how ginkgo works in the body. Although preliminary, this study demonstrates that ginkgo is worthy of further study as a potential treatment for the disease."

Ginkgo is available in health food stores and can be bought in pill form, tea bags, or in combination with other dietary supplements.

Possible side effects associated with extensive or prolonged use have yet to be uncovered. Check with your doctor before taking any medication.

Music
Music is found to stimulate motor, emotional and behavioral functions. The goal of Music Therapy is to relax the listener and reduce pain, anxiety and stress.

Through the use of movement, Dance Therapy is thought to improve body image and self esteem, decrease isolation, fears and anxieties, reduce chronic pain, and enhance circulatory and respiratory functions.

Art Therapy
Art Therapy may help reduce stress and promote relationships while allowing people to express their emotions creatively. Through Aromatherapy, essential plant oils are used to relax patients and relieve pain. Oils are massaged into the skin, applied with compresses on the skin, added to a bath or inhaled by the patients. Families should use caution as ingesting oils from certain plants used in aromatherapy can be toxic.

Acupuncture
With Acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted into precise points in the body to stimulate the nervous system. Acupuncture has been around for centuries. It is believed that it releases endorphines and other neurotransmitters that serve as natural painkillers. There is some risk involved with this invasive treatment including puncture of an organ, infection, and the spread of some diseases such as hepatitis B.

Support and activity groups
Individual encouragement, positive reinforcement, decreased social isolation and motivation are all benefits of participating in support groups and activity programs. A support group for AD individuals is available through the Association, and many adult day care centers provide activities in group settings.

Many of these alternative methods of treatment are provided by licensed specialists, and some may be covered by health insurers.

Please contact the Helpline at the Association of Our Town Helpline (e-mail: mark.esker@alzstl.org) for more details about this and other caregiving tips!