Healing the Mind Naturally: A Comprehensive Guide to 10 Alternative Treatments for Dementia

Key Points

• Dementia is a chronic brain disease that causes a decline in memory and other important mental functions. It’s estimated that nearly a million people in the UK have this condition.
• There’s no single cure for dementia. However, there are several natural remedies that may help to manage the symptoms of dementia, including memory loss and confusion.
• Natural remedies for dementia include supplementation, herbal treatments and lifestyle changes like exercise and social interaction.
• Medical cannabis shows promising potential as a treatment for dementia. It may be effective in treating symptoms such as agitation, irritability and more.
• Natural dementia remedies can be integrated into a holistic approach to treating the condition. This is an important step towards optimal health and wellness for people with dementia and their caregivers.

Dementia is a chronic, progressive and irreversible condition that causes problems with memory, thinking and behaviour. The symptoms can be mild to severe, depending on the type of dementia the patient has.

According to the Dementia Statistics Hub, there are nearly 950,000 people living with dementia in the UK alone. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, followed by vascular dementia and frontotemporal disorders (FTD).

Current treatment for dementia involves the heavy use of prescription medications such as donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. These medications are designed to slow the progress or treat symptoms. However, they also come with side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

There’s increasing interest in the use of natural treatments for dementia. They may be included in a treatment plan alongside traditional medications. In this article, we go through ten home remedies for dementia that have scientific and/or clinical backing.

It’s common to feel worried or sad if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia. But there are treatment options available that can help you manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. At Lyphe, our certified physicians provide patients with a medical cannabis option for dementia. To learn more about our services, book a call with one of our experts.

1. Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis for dementia is a treatment option that is gaining popularity. This natural remedy readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, making it a potent treatment for a variety of neurological disorders. It’s even been shown to improve cognitive function and address symptoms associated with dementia.

Medical cannabis may be useful in managing dementia symptoms

A 2019 review suggests that cannabis may be effective for treating various neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. These include the following:

• Agitation
• Disinhibition
• Irritability
• Aberrant motor behaviour
• Nocturnal behaviour disorders
• Aberrant vocalisation.

Clinical trials have also identified that cannabis can help manage behavioural symptoms in people with dementia. In a 2019 pilot study in Geneva, researchers administered an oral extract of THC and CBD to ten female dementia patients. After the treatment period, the patients reported significant improvements in behaviour problems, rigidity and daily care.

Medical cannabis may prevent agitation

Agitation is a common symptom of dementia, defined as an “abnormal state of emotional and motor activity that includes restlessness, pacing, wringing of hands and other repetitive movements.” This behaviour can be extremely distressing to caregivers trying to manage the patient’s care and safety.

Medical cannabis may reduce agitation in patients with dementia, according to a study published by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Researchers found that using medical cannabis products containing either THC and CBD or CBD or alone reduced agitation in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.

Medical cannabis may act as a natural remedy for dementia prevention

Researchers at California’s Salk Institute have found evidence that cannabinoids, primarily THC and CBD, could help remove dangerous dementia proteins from brain cells. Their 2022 study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine also found that cannabinol (CBN) can protect nerve cells from oxidative damage. According to the study, CBN protects neurons from oxidative stress and cell death, major contributors to Alzheimer’s disease.

Starting a medical cannabis treatment plan for dementia can help address symptoms naturally. Our experts at Lyphe can take away the stress of starting a new treatment plan and help you find the right medical cannabis products for your needs.

We can also provide information about how to get a medical cannabis card in the UK and advice on how to talk with your doctor about cannabis. Book a call today to learn more about medical cannabis for dementia and how we can help!

2. Exercise

Regular physical exercise has been seen as a beneficial non-pharmacological therapy for dementia. It benefits not only dementia patients but also their caregivers. Exercise provides many benefits for dementia patients, including:

• Improves cognition
• Provides opportunities for social interaction
• Reduces the feeling of isolation
• Reduces the risk of falls by improving strength and balance
• Improves confidence
• Increases self-esteem
• Improves overall mood.

Exercise may also reduce the risk of developing dementia. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running, swimming and dancing, have been proven to benefit cognitive function and memory. In addition to aerobic exercise, daily physical activities such as cleaning, gardening and even cooking have been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

3. Wine

Various studies suggest that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol – particularly wine – may help lower the risk of developing dementia. Some studies consider alcohol consumption as a dementia alternative treatment.

A 2023 study of nearly four million South Koreans found that keeping alcohol consumption to one or two drinks daily lessened the odds of developing dementia. In another study published in Biological Research, researchers found a correlation between wine drinking and lower dementia rates in ageing populations.

Although a glass of red wine a day may help prevent dementia, overdoing it can cause long-term problems. While moderate consumption of wine may offer some benefits in reducing the risk of dementia, it remains essential to find the right balance.

4. Reading

Reading can have potential benefits for individuals with dementia. Most people with mid-stage dementia can still read, but their ability may gradually decline over time.

A study published in The Journals of Gerontology suggests that reading aloud and arithmetic calculation can be used as part of a rehabilitation program for dementia patients. The researchers conducted the study for six months, which involved training in the two activities. After treatment, they noted an improvement in the frontal lobe activity of patients.

In a 2010 cohort study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, researchers found that reading as a hobby for one or more hours a day could help prevent dementia in late life. Another 2018 study published in JAMA Psychology reports that participation in intellectual activities like reading might help prevent dementia even in late life.

Shared reading experiences have also been found to alleviate depressive, cognitive and emotional symptoms in dementia patients. Bibliotherapy, as it is called, is also associated with a 20 per cent reduction in mortality.

5. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that is based on the belief that energy flows through our bodies in pathways called meridians. These meridians can become blocked, which can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture helps unblock these meridians by inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body.

Various systematic reviews and meta-analyses suggest that acupuncture may have therapeutic applications for patients with dementia. It’s been shown to improve cognitive ability, mental function and even certain mood conditions.

A 2019 meta-analysis published in Current Medical Science reported that incorporating acupuncture treatment for dementia patients leads to an improvement in symptoms compared to medication alone. Another 2021 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience concluded that acupuncture for the treatment of dementia should be considered a viable alternative to other kinds of therapies.

6. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is a medicinal tree that’s been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. The leaves from this tree have been shown to improve blood flow and circulation. It can also be used as a natural cure for dementia that helps with memory problems and boosts brain function.

A 2010 meta-analysis published in BMC Geriatrics reported that ginkgo biloba was more effective than a placebo for dementia, although further studies need to be conducted on its efficacy as a standalone therapy.

Another meta-analysis, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2014, found that 240 mg of ginkgo extract per day slowed the decline in cognition, function and behaviour. The study took place over 22-26 weeks and involved dementia patients exhibiting neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., agitation, irritation, vocalisation).

Still, the evidence on the use of ginkgo biloba for dementia is mixed and inconclusive. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

7. Social Interaction

Social interaction has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with dementia. According to a 2018 study published in PLOS Medicine, providing one hour of social activities can reduce agitation levels and improve dementia patients’ quality of life.

Engaging in social interaction offers numerous physical benefits to patients as well. As with many dementia sufferers, those with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia can experience muscle weakness. Regular social interaction has been shown to help prevent muscle atrophy, which can lead to a higher quality of life for many individuals with dementia.

In fact, staying socially engaged has been shown to boost self-esteem. For people with dementia, this equates to better eating habits, more exercise and better sleep. A 2017 study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias found that positive social interactions lead to positive emotional expression among dementia patients.

8. Reflexology

Reflexology refers to the practice of applying pressure to specific points on the foot that correspond with other parts of the body. The theory is that by stimulating specific reflex points, you can improve overall health and well-being.

There is evidence to suggest that reflexology may be helpful for individuals living with dementia. A study conducted on nursing home residents with dementia showed that reflexology treatment leads to a significant reduction in observed pain and salivary alpha-amylase, a type of enzyme that is secreted in the mouth and often used as a marker for stress.

Reflexology may be used as a complementary therapy for patients. It may offer valuable support to individuals living with dementia, along with other modalities.

9. Green Tea or Coffee

Caffeine consumption has been shown to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in some studies. Caffeine may also help protect against dementia by improving brain function and boosting memory. As such, tea or coffee may be considered dementia natural remedies.

One 2016 study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging found that drinking tea frequently is associated with a lower risk of dementia. The study followed 957 older adults (average age of 65). The researchers found that tea drinkers had a 50% lower risk of dementia after five years than people who never drank the beverage.

Another 2021 study published in PLOS Medicine found that having both coffee and tea in the diet was associated with a reduced risk of dementia and stroke. Researchers evaluated the drinking habits of more than 365,000 adults in the United Kingdom.

Additionally, a 2020 review in Nutrients suggests that caffeine consumption can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in women. However, caffeine has been linked with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer and heart disease. As such, coffee or green tea should only be consumed in moderation.

10. Fish Oil

Natural supplements for dementia, such as fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have been shown to have many potential benefits for brain health. Omega-3 in the diet improves heart and brain health and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Fish oil also helps reduce inflammation and improves blood flow to the brain.

Fish oil has been found to help preserve brain volume, leading to better outcomes on assessment tests for Alzheimer’s disease. One 2015 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that fish oil supplement use is associated with the preservation of brain volume and cognitive function.

A 2022 prospective study published in Clinical Research found links between fish oil supplementation and reduced risk for dementia among 60 to 73-year-olds. The study included 215,083 participants without dementia at baseline from the UK.

Conclusion – Natural Remedies for Memory Loss and Dementia

In conclusion, there is promise in using natural remedies for dementia. While this debilitating condition has no cure, incorporating natural remedies such as green tea, coffee, fish oil and medical cannabis can help. These “cures” can help manage symptoms, reduce the risk or slow cognitive decline.

It’s important to remember that these remedies should be seen as complementary to conventional treatments. Before starting any alternative treatment for dementia, you should discuss your options with a healthcare professional.

Embracing a holistic approach to dementia incorporates both traditional and natural interventions. This approach can improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia, their caregivers and their loved ones.

As research on the benefits of medical cannabis for dementia continues to gain pace, it’s crucial to stay informed and maintain an open dialogue. Our medical cannabis experts here at Lyphe are available to answer any questions you may have. Book a call with a professional today!

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