Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects an estimated 55.2 million people around the world. Currently, there is no known cure for this progressive and irreversible disease, which gradually destroys memory and cognitive abilities.
However, many individuals and caregivers are turning to alternative treatments and therapies as a means to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and improve quality of life.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the alternative treatments that have been suggested for Alzheimer’s disease.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation
A revolutionary new science known as Transcranial Pulse Stimulation, is offering remarkable results for those experiencing the decline associated with degenerative brain conditions.
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation is performed using a non-invasive medical device known as the NEUROLITH, which generates short-length shock waves which are capable of penetrating the brain by up to 8 centimetres.
These waves stimulate neural pathways which improve blood flow to the brain, and work to promote nerve regeneration. These neural pathways compensate for the damage to the brain cells and improve cognitive function.
Although shock waves have been utilised since the early 1980s as a means to treat various conditions, the NEUROLITH developed by Storz Medical is offering hope to the families of those suffering with Dementia, and the latest scientific pilots have indicated that TPS may be a promising treatment for even moderate to severe patient’s.
A study at the Wahrendorff Clinic in Germany has recently reported that 84% of participants in the study have experienced positive effects after using the treatment.
Under the supervision of Professor Marc Ziegenbein a psychiatry and psychotherapy specialist, the study of 77 subjects with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease have taken part in the study and observed since June 2021.
“Improvements were mainly found in the areas of orientation in the environment, concentration, general well-being and satisfaction. 84% of the subjects surveyed rated their psychological well-being after the TPS treatment as medium to good.” Says Dr.Daniel Clark, who also acts as the TPS treatment manager.
“When evaluating the results obtained, we should bear in mind that the various aspects, including cognitive performance, can also be influenced by other factors. The study is not yet completed and is being continued,” concludes Dr. Clark.
CBD Oils
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there is no significant evidence that CBD oils can prevent, stop, slow, or reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s.
That said, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence and even a few important studies, to suggest that it can help to ease the behavioural symptoms of the disease, such as aggression, insomnia and anxiety.
This was certainly the case for the founder of Mission C, Qes Hussain, who started his brand after taking inspiration from his grandfather when he was suffering from dementia.
Qes’ grandfather would become agitated during the day and struggle to sleep during the night, which made him very uncomfortable.
Qes’ family tried numerous over the counter and pharmaceutical solutions, “It felt like the behavioural symptoms of dementia were one of the hardest to deal with as a family and we had medication that wasn’t helping with this in fact it was worsening the symptoms.” Says Qes.
“We adjusted Grandad’s well-being routine to incorporate a range of natural herbs, vitamins and medicines such as ashwagandha, magnesium, turmeric, ginger, and most notably, CBD oil.”
“Grandad responded positively – remarkably positively, in fact, sleeping better and finding his calm – much to the whole family’s relief.”
Sensory Stimulation
Sensory stimulation is a common means to help those suffering with Alzheimer’s, by allowing them to study and interact with their surroundings.
Some studies suggest that when done regularly, sensory stimulation can help improve some memory problems, and offers different ways to communicate and improve cognitive function.
For those suffering with dementia, particularly in the latter stages, they will have lost their physical and mental ability to interact with the world around them. Sensory stimulation gives the person a chance to interact with these things again in a different way, this can also help to unearth memories, feelings and thoughts that the disease often takes from patients.
By allowing them to interact with things that they had interest in before their disease progressed, it can be a great means to help them relax, decrease feelings of anxiety and help them reconnect with happy memories.
As Tom Sharpton explains in his dad’s case “I visit dad two or three times a week, and in most cases he doesn’t recognise me.”
“His carers asked me to bring in some items that were important to him, so I brought along his clock and a few of his model trains.”
“It brought up memories of his father (my grandfather) who was a clockmaker, and his son, which is of course me, who used to take the trains down from the tracks and play with them while he was at work.”
“It breaks my heart, but honestly it’s just fantastic to see some of those old memories making him happy and helping him to remember his life before.”
Hope for the Future
As we know, there is currently no cure for dementia, although studies are progressing every year, we are still pushing to find and develop a definitive cure with alternative treatments making a noticeable difference in quality of life.
Sonia Founder & CEO of Wrist-Assured works with the families of the patient’s in all stages of the disease, “Dementia is complicated, as the cause is still unknown.” She says, “Most people have absolutely no idea what types of treatments are available, and this includes alternative treatments.”
Jean Allen, who lost her husband to early onset Alzheimer’s in his forties echoes similar sentiments, “we were never really made privy to the idea of alternative treatments.”
“Even something that could’ve offered us some hope of helping Richard and not only improving his quality of life, but that of the family too, would’ve been something I’d have grasped with open arms, absolutely.” Concludes Jean.