Alzheimer’s Disease – Ayurvedic Understanding, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Natural Herbal Remedies by Raseshwar Herbal
INTRODUCTION – Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most complex and devastating neurological disorders of the modern age. It primarily affects older adults, slowly eroding memory, learning capacity, reasoning, behavior, and independence. From a biomedical perspective, Alzheimer’s is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques, tau protein tangles, and gradual death of neurons in the brain’s memory and cognition centers such as the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. The disease begins subtly, with small lapses in memory and attention, and over the years, progresses to a complete loss of recognition, speech, and self-awareness.
In the Ayurvedic view, Alzheimer’s aligns closely with Smritibhramsha or Smritihani, which are disorders of the Manovaha Srotas (channels of mind and consciousness) caused primarily by aggravated Vata Dosha and depletion of Ojas. When Vata becomes deranged due to aging, improper diet, emotional stress, or suppression of natural urges, it weakens the Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue) and causes progressive memory loss, confusion, and emotional instability. Ayurveda aims not only to manage symptoms but to rebuild the nervous tissue, nourish the mind, and rejuvenate the brain’s vitality through herbal Rasayanas, diet, meditation, and Panchakarma therapies.
Causes of Alzheimer’s Disease
From a biomedical standpoint, Alzheimer’s is multifactorial, arising from a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunctions, and neuroinflammation. The most common cause is the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques between neurons and neurofibrillary tangles formed by defective tau proteins inside brain cells. These abnormal structures interfere with the communication between neurons, leading to cell death and brain shrinkage.
Genetics play a significant role, especially mutations in genes like APOE ε4, which increase susceptibility to the disease. However, lifestyle and dietary habits significantly influence whether these genetic tendencies manifest. Sedentary behavior, chronic stress, poor sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and high-fat processed diets accelerate oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, hastening neuronal degeneration.
In Ayurveda, the causes (Hetu) of Smritibhramsha are classified into physical, mental, and spiritual categories. Physically, excessive fasting, irregular meals, exposure to cold, and chronic dryness in the body aggravate Vata Dosha. Mentally, suppression of emotions, grief, anxiety, overthinking, and excessive intellectual exertion deplete Ojas and weaken Sattva Guna, the pure quality of mind. Spiritually, disconnection from routine, nature, and higher consciousness further weakens the Manas (mind). All these combined factors lead to Majja Dhatu Kshaya (depletion of nervous essence) and Smritibhramsha (memory derangement).
Signs & Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
The early signs of Alzheimer’s are subtle but progressive. At first, a person may forget recent conversations, appointments, or familiar routes. As the disease advances, symptoms expand into every area of cognition and behavior.
Early Symptoms:
Short-term memory loss and difficulty recalling recent events
Trouble finding words and naming familiar objects
Misplacing items frequently
Losing track of dates, time, or surroundings
Difficulty in planning, reasoning, or problem-solving
Withdrawal from social or professional activities
Progressive and Severe Symptoms:
Inability to recognize close family members
Repetitive questioning or storytelling
Personality changes – irritability, aggression, suspicion, or depression
Wandering behavior and restlessness at night
Inability to perform daily tasks independently
Hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions
Speech difficulty and eventual inability to communicate
Loss of bladder or bowel control in advanced stages
Ayurvedically, these symptoms correspond to Vata Vyadhi symptoms – dryness, weakness, confusion, and deranged mental faculties. As Vata dominates in old age, it causes erratic movements of thought and loss of coherence in mental processing.
Diagnostic Methods for Alzheimer’s Disease
Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, cognitive testing, imaging, and exclusion of other possible causes of dementia. Common diagnostic tools include:
Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests: Memory recall, attention span, language skills, and orientation assessments help determine cognitive decline.
Brain Imaging: MRI and CT scans identify shrinkage in hippocampal regions and rule out strokes, tumors, or injuries.
PET Scans: Detect amyloid plaques or hypometabolism in brain regions.
Blood Tests: Evaluate thyroid function, vitamin B12 levels, infection markers, and genetic risk factors.
Neurological Examination: Tests reflexes, coordination, and sensory responses.
Behavioral Assessments: Evaluate emotional and functional capacity in daily living.
In Ayurveda, diagnosis is holistic — the practitioner studies the Nadi (pulse), Jihva (tongue), Netra (eyes), and Sharira Bala (body strength) along with Manasika Lakshana (mental features). The Doshic predominance is identified — usually Vata Pradhana Tridosha Dushti, with Majja Dhatu Kshaya and Ojas Kshaya.
Alzheimer’s Disease – Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, Alzheimer’s corresponds to Smritibhramsha, Medha Hani, or Majja Kshaya Janya Vata Vyadhi. The root cause is the derangement of Vata Dosha due to age, stress, irregular routine, and poor nutrition. As Vata aggravates, it dries out the subtle channels of the brain (Manovaha Srotas), impairs Majja Dhatu nourishment, and obstructs Prana Vata — the sub-dosha responsible for mental functions, perception, and memory.
When Prana Vata loses coordination with Sadhaka Pitta (the aspect of intellect and cognition) and Tarpaka Kapha (responsible for stability and memory retention), the person experiences confusion, forgetfulness, and cognitive decay.
Ayurveda thus aims to restore Tridosha balance, nourish Majja Dhatu, and replenish Ojas through a combination of herbs, diet, meditation, Panchakarma therapies, and Rasayana Chikitsa.
Key Ayurvedic Concepts:
Vata Prakopa – excessive dryness and movement in the nervous system
Majja Kshaya – depletion of nerve tissue and myelin
Ojas Kshaya – loss of mental vigor and immunity
Sattva Hani – loss of mental clarity and emotional balance
Herbal Remedies for Alzheimer’s Disease
Ayurveda offers a profound and time-tested approach to nourish the brain, rejuvenate memory, and calm the nervous system. The following herbs are well-documented for cognitive enhancement and Majja Dhatu nourishment:
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Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Improves memory, intellect, and concentration by stabilizing Prana Vata.
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Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Acts as a brain tonic, reduces anxiety, and strengthens Sadhaka Pitta.
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Vacha (Acorus calamus): Clears blocked channels, improves speech, and awakens dull intellect.
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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Rejuvenates Majja Dhatu, combats stress, and enhances neural regeneration.
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Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica): Improves cognitive processing, promotes calmness, and nourishes brain cells.
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Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Acts as a tranquilizer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective agent.
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Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Strengthens immunity and purifies the nervous channels.
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Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Rich in antioxidants, rejuvenates the brain, and preserves Ojas.
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Kalyanaka Ghrita & Brahmi Ghrita: Medicated ghee preparations for internal use to nourish Majja Dhatu and enhance memory.
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Rasayana Therapy: Regular intake of Medhya Rasayanas like Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Shankhpushpi, and Ashwagandha promotes longevity and cognitive stability.
Conclusion
Alzheimer’s Disease is one of the most profound challenges of aging, yet Ayurveda provides hope by addressing the root causes — not just the symptoms. Through balancing Vata Dosha, nourishing Majja Dhatu, and enhancing Ojas, the mind regains clarity, calmness, and vitality. Herbal Rasayanas, Panchakarma, meditation, and proper dietary care are the cornerstones of holistic management.
At Raseshwar Herbal, our formulations and guidance are inspired by this timeless Ayurvedic wisdom — promoting rejuvenation from within, restoring mental balance, and supporting memory health naturally.