HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR DEMENTIA

Dementia isn't a specific disease. Instead, dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning.

Though dementia generally involves memory loss, memory loss has different causes. So memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults, but there are a number of causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms can be reversed.

Causes- Dementia involves damage of nerve cells in the brain, which can occur in several areas of the brain. Dementia affects people differently, depending on the area of the brain affected.

Dementias are often grouped by what they have in common, such as the part of the brain that's affected or whether they worsen over time (progressive dementias). Some dementias, such as those caused by a reaction to medications or vitamin deficiencies, might improve with treatment.

Progressive dementias

Types of dementias that progress and aren't reversible include:

Alzheimer's disease. In people age 65 and older, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Although the cause of Alzheimer's disease isn't known, plaques and tangles are often found in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. Plaques are clumps of a protein called beta-amyloid, and tangles are fibrous tangles made up of tau protein.

Certain genetic factors might make it more likely that people will develop Alzheimer's.

Vascular dementia. This second most common type of dementia occurs as a result of damage to the vessels that supply blood to your brain. Blood vessel problems can be caused by stroke or other blood vessel conditions.

Lewy body dementia. Lewy bodies are abnormal clumps of protein that have been found in the brains of people with Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This is one of the more common types of progressive dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia. This is a group of diseases characterized by the breakdown (degeneration) of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, the areas generally associated with personality, behavior and language.

As with other dementias, the cause isn't known.

Mixed dementia. Autopsy studies of the brains of people 80 and older who had dementia indicate that many had a combination of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Studies are ongoing to determine how having mixed dementia affects symptoms and treatments.

Dementia-like conditions that can be reversed

Some causes of dementia or dementia-like symptoms can be reversed with treatment. They include:

Infections and immune disorders. Dementia-like symptoms can result from fever or other side effects of your body's attempt to fight off an infection. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis that result from the body's immune system attacking nerve cells also can cause dementia.

Metabolic problems and endocrine abnormalities. People with thyroid problems, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), too little or too much sodium or calcium, or an impaired ability to absorb vitamin B-12 can develop dementia-like symptoms or other personality changes.

Nutritional deficiencies. Not drinking enough liquids (dehydration); not getting enough thiamin (vitamin B-1), which is common in people with chronic alcoholism; and not getting enough vitamins B-6 and B-12 in your diet can cause dementia-like symptoms.

Reactions to medications. A reaction to a medication or an interaction of several medications can cause dementia-like symptoms.

Subdural hematomas. Bleeding between the surface of the brain and the covering over the brain, which is common in the elderly after a fall, can cause symptoms similar to dementia.

Poisoning. Exposure to heavy metals, such as lead, and other poisons, such as pesticides, as well as alcohol abuse or recreational drug use can lead to symptoms of dementia. Symptoms might resolve with treatment.

Brain tumors. Rarely, dementia can result from damage caused by a brain tumor.

Anoxia. This condition, also called hypoxia, occurs when organ tissues aren't getting enough oxygen. Anoxia can occur due to severe asthma, heart attack, carbon monoxide poisoning or other causes.

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus. This condition, which is caused by enlarged ventricles in the brain, can cause walking problems, urinary difficulty and memory loss.

Symptoms- Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs and symptoms include:

Cognitive changes

· Memory loss, which is usually noticed by a spouse or someone else

· Difficulty communicating or finding words

· Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving

· Difficulty handling complex tasks

· Difficulty with planning and organizing

· Difficulty with coordination and motor functions

· Confusion and disorientation

Psychological changes

· Personality changes

· Depression

· Anxiety

Inappropriate behavior
Paranoia
Agitation
Hallucinations

Risk factors

Many factors can eventually lead to dementia. Some factors, such as age, can't be changed. Others can be addressed to reduce your risk.

Risk factors that can't be changed

Age. The risk rises as you age, especially after age 65. However, dementia isn't a normal part of aging, and dementia can occur in younger people.

Family history. Having a family history of dementia puts you at greater risk of developing the condition. However, many people with a family history never develop symptoms, and many people without a family history do. Tests to determine whether you have certain genetic mutations are available.

Down syndrome. By middle age, many people with Down syndrome develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Mild cognitive impairment. This involves difficulties with memory but without loss of daily function. It puts people at higher risk of dementia.

Risk factors you can change

You might be able to control the following risk factors of dementia.

Heavy alcohol use. If you drink large amounts of alcohol, you might have a higher risk of dementia. Some studies, however, have shown that moderate amounts of alcohol might have a protective effect.

Cardiovascular risk factors. These include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, buildup of fats in your artery walls (atherosclerosis) and obesity.

Depression. Although not yet well-understood, late-life depression might indicate the development of dementia.

Diabetes. If you have diabetes, you might have an increased risk of dementia, especially if it's poorly controlled.

Smoking. Smoking might increase your risk of developing dementia and blood vessel (vascular) diseases.

Sleep apnea. People who snore and have episodes where they frequently stop breathing while asleep may have reversible memory loss.

Complications- Dementia can affect many body systems and, therefore, the ability to function. Dementia can lead to:

Inadequate nutrition. Many people with dementia eventually reduce or stop their intake of nutrients. Ultimately, they may be unable to chew and swallow.

Pneumonia. Difficulty swallowing increases the risk of choking or aspirating food into the lungs, which can block breathing and cause pneumonia.

Inability to perform self-care tasks. As dementia progresses, it can interfere with bathing, dressing, brushing hair or teeth, using the toilet independently and taking medications accurately.

Personal safety challenges. Some day-to-day situations can present safety issues for people with dementia, including driving, cooking and walking alone.

Death. Late-stage dementia results in coma and death, often from infection

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental , emotional , spiritual and physical levels. When dementia is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering the mental and physical symptoms.

Homoeopathic medicines are found to be effective for memory loss, cure the condition without any side effects. Some of the important remedies are given below-

ANACARDIUM ORIENTALE 200--Anacadium orientale is one of the top remedies for weak memory and it is indicated for sudden loss of memory, especially under stress,. lack of confidence, unkindness or cruelty. Those needing Anacadium orientale have sudden loss of memory as though something is blocking the thought. They become hesitant, suddenly forget the names of people and things, and can even feel as if they are going insane. It’s a useful remedy for the sudden forgetfulness of anxious and under-confident students before an exam but also treats forms of senile dementia. Anacadium types are often confused about their identity, feeling and behaving as if they have ‘an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other.’ They can be cruel, irritable and hard-hearted with a tendency to swear but also struggle with lack confidence or feeling helpless, hopeless and needy.

AMBRA GRISEA 200- Ambra grisea is an effective remedy for weak memory.People who need Ambra grisea are shy, timid, and easily embarrassed. They blush easily, dread the company of unfamiliar people, are anxious about what people think of them, and want to be left alone. While forgetful and dreamy, they may also jump from one subject to another when talking or ask questions without waiting for an answer. They find it difficult to understand what has just been read and have trouble with calculations - even simple mathematics. Sometimes they will sit for hours or days crying from sadness. Prematurely aging and senility often indicates the need for Ambra grisea.

BARYTA CARB 30-Baryta Carb is one of the top medicines for weak memory, especially in children , where a child has a very weak memory when it comes to studies. The child has great trouble in concentrating on studies and takes a long time to comprehend a sentence and reads it over and over again. The memorising power is so diminished that the child takes a long time to learn something and even forgets the learnt part soon after. The child is dwarfish both mentally and physically. Mainly the child is of a timid and shy nature and is averse to meeting strangers. Confidence is also lacking. There may also be an extreme sensitivity to cold air. A history of repeated attacks of tonsillitis may also be seen.

CANNABIS INDICA 200--Cannabis Indica is effective for the treatment of weak memory and forgetfulness while talking. He or she forgets the words in between a conversation and does not remember what he or she is about to say. Excessive forgetfulness makes it impossible to end a sentence. To memorise the last said words or what is intended to be spoken seems a difficult task. Along with a forgetful nature, numerous thoughts may crowd the mind of such a person, who may otherwise be fun-loving

GINKOGO BILOBA Q- Ginkgo biloba mother tincture is effective for memory loss. It increases the circulation of blood to the head.

LAC CANINUM 200—Lac caninum is effective for weak memory and forgetfulness while writing. Lac caninum is prescribed when a person cannot remember the right words when writing and commits frequent mistakes. The person uses wrong inapplicable words and omits letters. The concentration power also seems lacking. Usually the person needing Lac Caninum possesses a nervous kind of nature. The person seems absent-minded with a feeble memory and forgetfulness. The feebleness extends to the point that a person buys things and leaves them on the counter table.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM 200-Lycopodium clavatum is indicated persons having gradual memory loss and confusion and dyslexia. Words and syllables misused or misplaced. Lycopodium suits those who once may have enjoyed intellectual activities but, because of their gradually deteriorating memory, now feel confused. It also one of the remedies that suits children with dyslexia, learning difficulties and behavioural problems. Children and adults misspell words or misplace words or syllables while talking. They are bossy and rude at home, irritable in the morning on waking, but polite and friendly with strangers. Physical complaints start on the right side of the body and progress to the left side

HELLEBORUS NIGER 200-Helleborus niger is indicated persons having apathy, dullness, slowness and blankness of mind. Poor concentration. Helleborus suits the symptoms of dullness, haziness and blankness of mind. It is often needed for poor memory following a stroke. The person finds it hard to concentrate and has a weakness of memory for what was just read, said or done. Often, things are not heard or seen properly. They are apathetic, concentration is difficult and they answer slowly.

MEDORRHINUM 1000--Medorrhinum is indicated for persons who possess a weak memory especially for names and spellings of words. To remember a name even of a well known person is quite a task for such subjects. The weakness can even be of such an extent that the person forgets his or her own name. The weakness may be found while speaking as well. The person repeatedly loses the conversation thread and wants the question to be repeated before answering as the mind seems very feeble to hold on to a conversation.

KALI PHOS 200-Kali Phos is an excellent remedy for weak memory because of mental exertion. It could be post an examination or due to excessive office work, where the mind has gone feeble as a result of mental exhaustion. Homeopathic remedy Kali Phos acts as the best memory enhancer by removing the after-affects of over-use of mind. It provides strength to the brain and nerves and can be considered as a complete tonic for improving memory.

KALI BROMATUM 30-Kali bromatum another remedy for weak memory. It is prescribed when a person completely forgets how to speak and can utter only the words told to him — in other words, can only repeat after you. Independent speech is totally impossible as complete memory has been washed out. Marked restlessness, especially in hands, is noticed in persons needing Kali Bromatum.

Children screaming and crying in sleep. Walking during sleep could be another noticeable symptm of Kali bromatum.

NUX MOSCHATA 200- Sudden loss of thoughts. Absent-minded and dreamy. Nux moschata is indicated for those who feel vague or spaced-out – as if intoxicated. They are absent-minded, forgetful of what they were about to do, and use the wrong words, especially during headaches. Their mind is dull and they feel confused or bewildered. Thoughts suddenly vanish while talking, reading or writing and there may be complete loss of memory about the past. Sleepiness or clairvoyant states are often experienced.

PHOSPHORIC ACID 30-- Phosphoricum acid persons are brooding about the past and future. Aversion to talking. Those who need Phosphoricum acid slip into indifference and apathy from a grief or significant disappointment. They brood, avoid talking to people, and dread the future. They cannot collect their thoughts, answer slowly, and are forgetful – especially for words – they hunt for words when talking.Their weakness of memory gradually leads to physical weakness.

SULPHUR 200- Sulphur is best for weak memory. Sulphur persons makes mistakes in writing or speaking. Those who need Sulphur become increasingly absent-minded and find it difficult to concentrate. They have trouble thinking of correct words when talking or writing, often replacing correct words with incorrect ones. They may also repeat the question before answering to give their brain time to catch up and have a reputation of being itchy, lazy, tired, untidy or selfish

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