While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are many forms of treatment that can alleviate the symptoms as well as enhance a patient’s memory.  For those patients and caregivers who do not want to go on traditional medication, there are alternative treatments to pursue.

Counseling and psychotherapy have been used as an alternative treatment to help patients deal with their emotions and learn how to better live with their condition.  Living with Alzheimer’s disease brings about many difficult feelings as the person tries to make sense of what is happening and how life is suddenly changing.  This can lead to negative emotions like anger, confusion, fear or anxiety.  Because friends and family may be too close to the situation, sometimes the patient cannot confide in them frankly or share concerns.  Counseling can provide the patient with an opportunity to speak honestly and work out feelings resulting from the disease. 

Music therapy and aromatherapy have also been used as an alternative treatment in helping a person to cope with Alzheimer’s disease.  With music and aromatherapy, a patient can be relaxed, stress can be eliminated and circulation can improve.  Such concentrated relaxation can help the body and mind’s natural healing energies to reawaken, and possibly alleviate some Alzheimer’s disease’s symptoms. 

Acupuncture and acupressure have also been looked into as a physical treatment of the disease without medication.  Acupuncture and acupressure have been known to treat anxiety and depression, which do result from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.  Some preliminary evidence has been presented suggesting that acupuncture helps slow the deterioration of brain function brought about by Alzheimer’s disease.

Another alternative treatment, not involving medication but not entirely physical, would be the use of herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.  These appeal to some because unlike doctor-prescribed medications, they come from natural ingredients and at least in theory have fewer side effects.  However, it is to note that not much scientific testing has been done regarding the results of herbal remedies.   Some problems could arise from taking herbal supplements, even beyond wasted time and expense. 

The herbal supplements might not be effective.  They may not be manufactured on a regular basis by all vendors.  The ingredients could be slightly different from what is listed on the label.  Worse yet, herbal remedies can sometimes interfere with prescription medications and cause harm to the patient. 

It is important to consult with your doctor regarding alternative treatments you are seeking for Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.  If not a personal doctor, find a respected alternative health care practitioner with legitimate credentials who can work closely with your personal physician. 

Miracle drugs for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are frequently advertised in the news and on the Internet.  Several products fallaciously claim that Alzheimer’s disease can be cured or prevented from forming.  While some nutritional supplements can contribute to a person’s health, there is no sure way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and definitely no cure at this present time.

Many of these products claim to be herbal or all natural.  However, such a guarantee does not mean these products are always safe.  The majority of these herbal remedies have not been backed by medical research or science.  These questionable products have not been proven effective, nor have they been cleared of all harmful side effects.

Three of the more prominent herbal remedies said to effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease are Ginkgo Biloba, Hyuperzine A, Coenzyme Q10 and Phosphatidyl Serine.  These products have been shown to have positive effects in some Alzheimer’s treatments, however more scientific research is needed to validate the claims. 

There are other alternative treatments in battling Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia that do not involve medication.  Just be safe and always first consult with your doctor or physician before introducing an Alzheimer’s patient to a new treatment.  The patient’s comfort and safety should be the primary concern.