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Impairment of short-term memory (strangely, the sufferer might remember things of distant past)

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Anxiety and depression (specifically deep depression in the initial stages)

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Apathy and mood swings such as agitation, restlessness, irritability, paranoia, hostility

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Increasing confusion due to memory loss

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Hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis

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Failure in recognizing familiar faces

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Poor judgment, problems with thinking

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Difficulty concentrating

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Difficulty comprehending words, completing sentences, or finding the right words (language problems)

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Loss of familiarity with surroundings, wandering aimlessly

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Difficulty in performing routine tasks

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Lack of initiative

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Accusatory behaviors (such as accusations of spousal infidelity)

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Impaired movement or coordination

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Muscle rigidity, shuffling or dragging feet while walking

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Insomnia or disturbances in sleep patterns

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Weight loss

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Incontinence

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Muscle twitching or seizures

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Short attention span, , disorientation, , misplacing things

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As is said, old age in itself is a disease. Sometimes, even proper diet, lifestyle and general self-care cannot spare one with a disease like Alzheimer’s.

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Genetic predisposition to the disease has also been found to be a cause by many researches.

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Stress and repeated strokes may also trigger Alzheimer’s disease.

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Smoking, high BP and high cholesterol level increase the risk of getting Alzheimer.

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Deficiency of fatty acids in the diet may also cause the disease.

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Certain researches have shown that excess aluminum in the body may damage the brain cells resulting in the disease.

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Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) – This oldest surviving tree specie, dating back to millions of years has predominantly been grown in China till the 18th century. Then it came to Europe and from there to United States. Leaves of ginkgo are the ones having medicinal qualities and their main constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids - antioxidants that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets. These particular traits of ginkgo are specifically useful in treating two age old diseases – one related to memory loss and another called acrocyanosis, in which there is a permanent bruising on the hands and feet. In effect, ginkgo is being used to treat memory loss for more than 5000 years in China. It achieves this by counteracting the declining mental faculties. It not only improves concentration and memory but also reduces mood swings and apathy. This effect is got as the active constituents of ginkgo fight against the age related deterioration of blood vessels in the brain.

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Rosmarinus officinalis (also known as Rosemary) has a reputation for strengthening memory health. Rosemary is well-known in modern herbalism as an all-around tonic and energizer. Studies have also suggested that Rosemary can promote healthy cerebral blood flow (CBF). In addition, recent laboratory analysis has found that Rosemary contains acetyl-cholinesterase inhibitors, chemicals that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical that is involved in memory functioning. A recently published research paper investigates the ability of carnosic acid (that occurs in rosemary) to help protect the brain from free radical damage. Carnosic acid is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and does not have any undesirable effects on normal brain cells and is only activated in the presence of free radical damage! Carnosic acid has properties that make it a vital neuroprotective agent and is known to promote healthy blood flow to the brain. Furthermore, Carnosic acid helps to maintain the body's production of the antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most important antioxidants that help to protect the brain against free radical damage.

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Salvia Officinalis (also known as Sage) is the Latin name for sage, which means “to heal”. Sage leaf is an approved herb by the German Commission E for internal and external use. A recent study indicated the efficacy of Salvia officinalis extract in promoting brain and memory health in senior adults.

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Kalium phosphate (derived from potassium phosphate) is a biochemic tissue salt and a natural component of all fluids in the body. It acts as a nerve nutrient, and is naturally present in all brain cells and nerve tissue. Kalium phosphate (also called Kali. phos.) is an excellent nerve tonic and natural calmative, helping to soothe nerves and lessen edginess. Kali. phos. supports a healthy brain and nervous system, and can help relieve occasional nervous tension in the body.

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Natrium muriaticum (derived from sodium chloride) - Water is the medium by which nutrients and brain chemicals are transported from the blood into the cells and carried from cell to cell. The function of this tissue salt is to maintain the body's water balance by controlling the movement of water in and out of the cells. Natrium muriaticum (also called Nat. mur.) naturally and gently flushes the system while hydrating tissues. Note: Due to the special manufacturing process of tissue salts, Nat. mur. should not be confused with salt, and may be safely used by people requiring low salt diets.

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Passiflora Incarnata (Also known as Passion Flower) - This climbing shrub is native to South America but some of its 450 odd species can be found in colder climate of North and Central America as well. It grows up to a height of 10 metres clutching with the help of tendrils. This medicinal variety is some times confused with the cultivated variety that produces passion fruit. All its aerial parts; the stamen, three lobed indented leaves and bright showy flowers that have white petals covered over by pinkish violet filaments, have medicinal properties. The main constituents are maltol, ethyl maltol, indole alkaloids and various antioxidants. Mainly maltol and ethyl maltol and to some extent the antioxidants present impart the sedative property to this herb for which it is quite famous. In effect it is so effective yet gentle, that even children are given preparations based on passionflower for treating insomnia, anxiety and nervous system originated palpitations and digestive problems. It is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, resulting in relaxation.

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Ginseng – Ginseng is basically used as a general tonic or geriatric remedy to regulate the catabolic and anabolic processes of cellular metabolism, to increase the capacity to adapt to stress and improve concentration and attention. The roots of ginseng are dried and taken as capsules and infusions.

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Supplements of vitamin A, C, D, E and B12 are very important. Zinc, beta carotene, folic acid and selenium are also equally important.

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Silicon, in the form of silicic acid, should be definitely taken. It prevents the body from absorbing aluminum known for damaging brain cells. Sources include cabbage, alfalfa, onions, green vegetables and milk. Small amount of beer can also be taken as silicon supplement.

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As aluminum is supposed to have adverse effects with regards to Alzheimer’s, patients (in effect even healthy people) are advised not to consume foods high in aluminum additives such as some grain product desserts, American cheese, chocolate pudding, chocolate beverages, salt, and some chewing gum. Aluminium pans should not be used to cook acidic foods like chutneys and tomatoes.

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Coenzyme Q10, which is supposed to tremendously help the elderly in their various age related issues, should also be consumed. Sources of this useful compound include Soya beans, potatoes, spinach and offal.

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Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).

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In general, oily fish, fresh fruits and vegetables and cold-pressed vegetable oils like olive oil should be given to the patient.

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Antacid indigestion tablets must be avoided to the maximum. They are high in aluminum hydroxide content.

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Food additive E541 should be avoided as it contains sodium aluminum phosphate.

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Excess alcohol is a strict no.

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Take small regular meals in place of one or two large ones.

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Regular physical exercise is very important to keep the body functioning properly and relieve stress.

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Putting the mind to some exercise is also extremely important. Various mind games which are fun to play and require concentration and application need to be incorporated in the daily schedule.

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Family members should speak clearly to the patient. Allow them enough time to keep up with conversations by using simple words and short sentences.

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Encourage serenity - Ensure that their environment is quiet and peaceful by eliminating as much chaos as you can.

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Take care of your heart as an unhealthy heart means less efficient blood flow to the brain. Take steps to improve the health of your heart by losing weight, lowering cholesterol, doing cardiovascular exercise and relaxation techniques.

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Tell your friends and family about your problems and let them know how and when to help. Remember that this will be a big change for them too, and so they need to know what to expect.