Natural Dementia Treatment (2024)

Causes of Dementia

Early Signs of ALS

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease making up almost 80% of all dementia cases. Alzheimers Disease is a progressive, chronic, neurodegenerative disease that is destructive to the mental processes of the body. The disease is accelerating in nature which typically comes on at a very slow rate affecting the patient’s memory and then progresses over time into more severe complications. Almost seventy percent of all cases of dementia are related to Alzheimers disease. There is a known hereditary gene factor to the disease but the disease also can occur in patients with no family history of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimers is associated with plaques and tangles in the brain, and overtime brain cells die off at an advanced rate far greater than cell death as a part of normal aging. Plaques are sticky groups of proteins that build up between nerve cells. The groups of proteins block the cell to cell communication and trigger the immune system. The immune system then generates inflammation and kills off damaged cells. Tangles are twisted forms of proteins that form in dying cells. Tangles keep nutrients from moving from cell to cell which also deprives the cell of sustenance to survive.

According to the National Institute on Aging, Vascular Dementia is caused by a blockage or lack of blood flow to the brain. This can lead to damage in the areas of the brain responsible for memory, thinking, and speech. Parkinson’s disease with dementia, also known as Parkinson’s Disease plus Dementia (PD-D), is a condition that affects people who have both Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This disorder is challenging to diagnose because the symptoms of each individual disease often overlap.

Lewy body dementia (LBD)is a type of progressive dementia that affects an estimated 1.3 million Americans, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Characterized by deposits of abnormal protein called Lewy bodies in the brain, LBD can cause a wide range of symptoms that can make everyday activities difficult.

Chronic Alcoholism, infections of the brain, some brain tumors and side effects from certain medications are also causes of neurodegenerative diseases.

Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FLTD)

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a type of progressive dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It accounts for up to 10% of all dementia cases and can be caused by a variety of underlying diseases or conditions. Symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but can include changes in personality, behavior, or language abilities. Frontotemporal dementia is also called Pick’s disease. Supranuclear palsy is a rare disorder that affects movement and balance. Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is also rare and affects movement and speech.

Other Dementia Causes

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a neurological disorder that causes dementia. It is characterized by walking abnormalities, confusion and impaired bladder control. A subdural hematoma is a collection of blood on the between the surface of the brain and the skull. Often a result of an accident, a subdural hematoma can in rare circ*mstances lead to dementia. Lead toxicity dementia is caused by high levels of lead in the body and includes symptoms of memory loss, confusion, and trouble thinking clearly. Hypothyroidism, Vitamin B-12 deficiency, liver and kidney disorders also can lead to dementia, however in many cases these dementias may be reversible with appropriate medical treatment.

Dementia Treatment

Conventional drug therapies are used to alleviate symptoms of dementia. Drugs like cholinesterase inhibitors increase acetylcholine a chemical that can help improve judgement and form memories and may delay the worsening symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is a drug used to delay cognitive and behavioral symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s.

For a Sunridge doctor, solving complicated medical puzzles by identifying and treating underlying causes of disease is the focus of this practice. Our care for the dementia and dementia treatment is a custom formulated therapy plan that differs depending on the symptoms and underlying cause of the illness that the patient is experiencing.

Alternative dementia treatment for Alzheimers disease can involve targeting the immune system to build up the body’s defenses. Treatment may include memory enhancers, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements and well as stem cells treatments. Our patients feeling better isn’t the goal–it’s what makes life worth living! Contact us today.

For answers to your questions or to make an appointment, call us toll-free at 1-800-923-7878 to speak with our Patient Care Team.

References

Ballard CG, Gauthier S, Cummings JL, Brodaty H, Grossberg GT, Robert P, Lyketsos CG. Management of agitation and aggression associated with Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol. 2009 May;5(5):245-55.doi: 10.1038/nrneurol.2009.39. PMID: 19488082.