Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive functions including memory, thinking, and reasoning that can significantly impair the affected person’s daily life. It also may lead to emotional changes and personality shifts. Its severity varies from mild (where symptoms start to appear) to severe (requiring complete dependence on others for basic tasks). Dementia affects millions of people around the world, particularly the elderly. It is important to note that it is not a natural consequence of aging, many people live well into their nineties and beyond without experiencing any form of dementia. There are several types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body dementia. The term mixed dementia refers to having more than one type of dementia. The most common type of mixed dementia is a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, where the characteristic protein deposits associated with Alzheimer’s disease coexist within blood vessels too.

Conventional treatments and alternative medicine approaches

While known conventional treatments offer limited relief of cognitive decline, alternative treatment approaches have shown promise in preventing dementia with promising hope to help with already existing symptoms.

Dietary Intervention

Eating a healthy diet may protect you from dementia. Studies showed that the Mediterranean and MIND diets are linked to reduced dementia risk. Specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and antioxidants also play a role.¹ They also suggest it might help in stroke prevention.² The acetylcholine neurotransmitter system undergoes extensive degeneration in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and may underlie their cognitive deficits. The activity of this system can be enhanced by treatment with ginkgo extract through enhancement of the function of acetylcholine neurons.³^,⁴ Ginseng can improve cognition and memory performance in those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s. When accompanied with other Alzheimer’s disease treatment it may exhibit additive effects on cognitive improvement.⁵

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)

It aims to enhance the cognitive functions in individuals with mild to moderate dementia by engaging in activities that stimulate memory, problem-solving and language skills.  CST can improve cognitive functions and overall quality of life.⁶

Cognitive Rehabilitation

It is a tailored approach based on individual needs and goals. It involves working with a trained professional to improve cognitive functions. It focuses on helping individuals with dementia to achieve specific goals such as performing everyday tasks. It shows effectiveness in mild to moderate patients helping them to cope better with the challenges of the condition.⁷

Reminiscence Therapy

It is a therapeutic approach that involves discussing past experiences and memories. Engagement in such conversations can help improve cognitive abilities, memory and promote positive emotions in dementia patients. It helps in reducing associated depression, anxiety and enhancing well-being.⁸

Bright Light Therapy

Dementia can disrupt the body’s internal clock, leading to sleep disturbances and daytime drowsiness. Bright light therapy has shown promise in regulating disturbed circadian rhythms in patients with dementia. It also helps to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and improve cognitive functions.⁹

Music Therapy

It is a therapeutic approach that utilises music to improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Music therapy was found to enhance memory, orientation, depression, and anxiety in patients with both mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease. It was also found to be effective in addressing behavioural issues such as delirium, hallucination, agitation, and irritability, particularly in individuals with moderate Alzheimer’s disease. A study showed it has rapid effects such as positive changes in cognitive measures that were observed after just four music therapy sessions.¹⁰^,¹¹

Sensory Stimulation

Dementia can lead to a decline in the five senses, resulting in challenges such as isolation, confusion, and decreased independence. Sensory stimulation, which involves activating one or more of these senses can help in addressing these issues. It can help patients with dementia become more aware of their surroundings and reduce the feeling of disorientation. It can also reduce anxiety and agitation, thus improving mood and well-being. Additionally, it enhances social interaction, as it can encourage patients with dementia to engage with others and participate in social activities.¹²

Exercise

It has significant benefits for individuals with cognitive decline. Studies have demonstrated its positive impact on brain health and its potential to reduce the risk of neurological disorders like dementia. It promotes brain plasticity and enhances cognitive functions. It improves blood flow and thus enhances cognitive performance. It also can reduce behavioural symptoms like agitation and aggression.¹³

Acupuncture

A traditional Chinese practice that shows a potential therapeutic intervention for dementia. Studies support that it can improve cognitive functions, decrease neuropsychiatric symptoms and improve hippocampal connectivity, a brain region crucial for memory and learning.¹³

Conclusion

Alternative medicine approaches provide promising approaches to bridge the gap between conventional treatments and the needs of individuals with dementia and can significantly improve the lives of patients and their families.