There is a need for more support for Alzheimer’s sufferers to help manage symptoms. The same holds true for other neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis. These are systemic disorders that typically involve immune and circulatory dysfunction and lead to compromised mental and physical functions. Herbal therapies that have long-standing clinical and empirical results for neurodegenerative disease are effective.

The most commonly reported signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s include loss of memory, cognitive deficits, and behavior disorder.

Genetics plays a role in the case of Alzheimer’s; there is a link to a specific genetic defect, the Apo-E gene, that causes destruction of cells in two areas of the brain – the hippocampus and portions of the cerebral cortex. Note that the hippocampus is a central region linked to emotions, memory, and learning, and it is vulnerable to the effects of drugs, toxins, and stressors from both internal body imbalance and external triggers such as trauma or prolonged stress.

Herbal Strategies for Alzheimer’s Disease

There are ways to successfully manage both the symptoms and to slow disease progression. A plan to address every stage of the disease can be implemented that ease symptoms most prevalent. In my consultations I emphasize herbal formulas and may also make other recommendations for dietary changes, and the use of other supplements.

Even though I favor herbal combinations and prescribe a formula such as Enhance Memory or Neuro Plus, by Evergreen Herbs, as a first line of treatment, this post will also outline a few single herb and supplement suggestions that, when combined, may result in an equally beneficial result. I treat on a case-by-case basis, and so suggestions are catered according to specific symptoms and progression of the disease. TCM also emphasizes pulse and tongue signs to help distinguish patterns and complexes of the body to match herbal ingredients to the proper pathways. In this post I provide formula descriptions for those who may wish to contact me for these, as well as an array of single supplements per symptom that anyone can try on their own.

Herbs Affect the Whole Body, Not Just One Pathway

Another reason for prescribing formulas or herbal combinations vs single herbs is that usually there are many more health advantages to using combinations of herbal ingredients due to the synergistic effects. The various systems of the body such as the filtering of the blood, the detoxifying of the liver, and the absorbing function of the intestines may all need a form of support to fully heal tissues. Some herbs may reinforce blood flow while others strengthen cell walls and stabilize the actual arteries and veins. What is often not mentioned enough in my opinion is the calming and balancing effects of herbs on the nerves, which is worth a lot.

Formula Explanation for Alzheimer’s

The premiere formula for Alzheimer’s is Neuro Plus by Evergreen Herbs, as it contains more than 25 herbs, addressing multiple symptoms and pathways, assisting in improving cognitive function, repairing cells, increasing oxygenation, treating fatigue and improving memory.

One of the main herbal ingredients in the formula is Xing Ye (Folium Ginkgo) or gingko, which is the arguably the most globally researched herb for treating Alzheimer’s. Gingko is taken from gingko leaf and is widely prescribed in Germany where it has been used to prevent blood clots, improve memory, and treat depression. Ginkgo inhibits a chemical called PAF (platelet activating factor) that is associated with narrowing of blood vessels to the brain. Scientific research shows that most Alzheimer’s patients have a specific gene, the Apo-E gene that scrambles how the body transports cholesterol to cell walls. Because cholesterol is deposited incorrectly to vessels, this results in development of beta-amyloid plaques. Eventually these cells are destroyed by the immune system, causing loss of actual brain cells.

An exciting effect of gingko is its ability to help manage blood sugar. Alzheimer’s is caused in part by the lack of glucose getting to the brain. Ginkgo can both speed up and improve the process by which the brain uses glucose.

Gingko also improves how the brain uses acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is key to the cells of the hippocampus in their ability to transmit messages to other parts of the brain.

Neuro Plus also contains Qian Ceng Ta (Herba Lycopodii Serrati) that is a natural source of an alkaloid known as huperzine A, which has shown remarkable neuroprotective, anti-dementia, and cognitive effects. Huperzine A has the ability to protect nerve cells against hydrogen peroxide, beta-amyloid protein (or peptide), glutamate, ischemia and staurosporine-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis (Wang & Tang, 2005). In addition, it has reversible, potent and selective acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibitors, according to in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies (Guo, et. al., 2009). It also helps improve memory retention in those suffering with cerebral arteriosclerosis.

Among its other herbal warriors are what is known as blood invigorating herbs, and these are Dan Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Shui Zhi (Hirudo) and Hong Hua (Flos Carthami) that inhibit coagulation, activate fibrinolysis, and are especially effective in treating and/or preventing stroke caused by blood clots blocking the blood vessels in the brain.

Single Herbs for Alzheimer’s Disease

The use of single herbs and other supplements can also be very effective in much the same way as formula use, especially when rotated and combined as needed. Single herbs are more likely to build up in the tissues so it’s important to use them intermittently to avoid unwanted side effects.

Best single herbs for Alzheimer’s Disease

Gingko biloba (read description above)

Dosage: 250 mg, 2x/day

Hawthorn

Dosage: 250 mg, 2 times/day

Hawthorn herb has been used for centuries to protect blood vessels. It lowers blood cholesterol by increasing the rate at which it is broken down. It also helps atherosclerotic lesions in the walls of blood vessels to shrink and become smoother; indirectly increasing blood supply to the brain.

Coptis Rhizome, Huang Lian

Dosage of tea pills, 6 pills 3x/day – use for 2 weeks maximum and discontinue for 2 weeks.

Coptis contains anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties to protect the digestive system and improve peristalsis. Those with Alzheimer’s often have issues with digestive function, including persistent diarrhea and even occasionally incontinence. This herb not only wards off infections of the gut and intestines, it improves functioning of the bowel. It shrinks inflammation quickly and without negative side effects, and has a neuro-protective effect as well (Friedemann, et. al., 2014). Because it is anti-bacterial and shrinks tissues, it should be taken on and off to allow the body to reset between dosages.

Other Factors & Symptoms

Agitated behavior is often seen in Alzheimer’s due to its effects on the brain’s emotional processing centers. There are herbal formulas that help sedate the spirit, containing “calm Shen” herbs that descend Qi from the head. Another effective strategy is to use the herb Chai Hu, Bupleurum root, which eases liver congestion. The Liver is the organ that circulates blood in Chinese medicine, and is prone to stress incurred by poor diet, emotional imbalances, and lifestyle changes. Bupleurum smoothes Liver qi and in effect, calms the Spirit. It is best to use Bupleurum on and off for 2 weeks intermittently, or consult with a TCM practitioner who can prescribe a formula containing a balanced blend of herbal ingredients.

If formulas are not available, simple calcium citrate can help calm down agitation as well. Due to their heaviness, minerals are considered anchoring to the Spirit body, and used to ease shakiness, tremors, and nervousness, as well as agitation.

TCM Understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease

As early as the 1540s, Asian herbalists recognized a constellation of signs and symptoms earmarked today as neurodegenerative. In modern terms we know that improving circulation to the brain and especially oxygenation can help slow and restore brain balance, and also reduce free radical damage. Early herbalists did not diagnose by testing, but by observation of symptoms. The inability to concentrate, extreme fatigue, memory loss, and palpitations were seen as imbalances of Fire and Water. If the kidneys are weak, fire is not able to ascend and lead yang up to the head to facilitate clear thinking. If water is weak, fire ascends without being balanced and cooled leading to inappropriate outbursts and waves of high energy followed by collapse. Herbs have their own innate properties of cool, cold, neutral, warm and hot. They also enter channels of the body. This is the treatise of using herbs as medicines, and one that has proven effective over and over again.

REFERENCES

Wang R. & Tang X.C. (2005). Neuroprotective effects of huperzine A. A natural cholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurosignals. 14(1-2): 71-82.

Guo B, Xu L, Wei Y. & Liu C. (2009) Research advances of Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trev. College of LifeScience, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. Aug;34(16):2018-23.

Tang, XC. (1996). Huperzine A (shuangyiping): a promising drug for Alzheimer’s disease. Department of Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao. 1996 Nov; 17(6):481-4.

Friedemann T, Otto B, Klätschke K, Schumacher U, Tao Y, Leung AK, Efferth T, & Schröder S. (2014). Coptis chinensis Franch. exhibits neuroprotective properties against oxidative stress in human neuroblastoma cells. J Ethnopharmacol. Aug 8;155(1):607-15. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.004. Epub Jun 12. PMID: 24929105.