This interest helps to encourage research in the area. A report by the House of Lords called for more regulation and more research to investigate effectiveness and safety. This could lead to the provision of better services and sounder evidence to guide this use.
What is the potential for CAM to treat dementia?
Although the symptoms of dementia are numerous and change over time, most types of dementia have symptoms in common. It is useful to consider which symptoms are prominent in an individual when assessing which CAM intervention may be most suitable.The aims of treatment range from improving memory with herbal preparations such as ginkgo biloba to providing relaxation with therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. This sheet focuses only on those therapies for which there is evidence of effectiveness.
Preventing the progression of dementia is currently the subject of trials of ginkgo biloba and of vitamin E. One review concludes from a number of studies that good nutrition, in the form of vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients, may prevent cognitive decline.
Does it work?
There is little high-quality research into the treatment of dementia with complementary and alternative medicine. However, a number of therapies are providing some interesting preliminary results and these are detailed here.Many therapies are not listed here. This does not mean that they are ineffective or would not be of any benefit to you, although your doctor is likely to provide the best available proven care. If you feel that you would benefit from complementary and alternative medicine in addition to conventional treatment, this is perhaps a good indication of its worth to you.
(published with permission in writing from:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/)
