E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Alzheimer’s Disease

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 7 JULY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Ayurvedic management of Alzheimer’s Disease - A Case Study

Sharma A1*
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.7.56

1* Ammana Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Saraswati Ayurved Hospital and Medical College, Gharuan, Punjab, India.

The prevalence of age-related cognitive decline is becoming an important public health concern as there is premature ageing due to various environmental and lifestyle changes. Alzheimer’s disease is now recognized as the most common disorder of dementia. Dementia is a syndrome – usually of a chronic or progressive nature – in which there is deterioration in cognitive function beyond what might be expected from normal ageing. Features of Smrti Vibhrama and characteristics of Pranavruta Vyana are being observed as Alzheimer’s dementia. There is still no effective cure for dementia in contemporary medicine. So, developing an Ayurvedic protocol to treat dementia is a necessity. This is the case of a 66 -year-old male patient presented with loss of interest in daily activities, fatigue, reduced appetite and increased sleep for duration of 2 years. Diagnosis was done based on the criteria of Mini-mental status Examination Scale. The management was a combination of modalities including Shirodhara, Nasya, Dhoompana and internal medications. The treatment modalities were found to be effective in the cognitive and depressive symptoms as well as improving the social behaviour in dementia patient.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s dementia, Dementia, Ayurveda, Nasya

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Ammana Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Saraswati Ayurved Hospital and Medical College, Gharuan, Punjab, India.
Email: 		Sharma A, Ayurvedic management of Alzheimer’s Disease - A Case Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(7):360-364.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4605/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-19 2025-05-27 2025-06-07 2025-06-17 2025-06-27
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.98

© 2025 by Sharma A and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportObservations and ResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Ammana S et al. Ayurvedic management of Alzheimer’s Disease

Introduction

Cognitive decline, commonly first recognized as memory impairment, is a typical feature of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropathological changes in the cerebral cortex and limbic system lead to deficits in learning, memory, language, and visuospatial skills. The precise nature of cognitive dysfunction reflects the distribution of pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects the brain. Symptoms are mild at first and become more severe over time. Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, language problems, and impulsive or unpredictable behaviour. One of the underlying biological changes of the condition is the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain. Another feature is a loss of connection between the nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain.

These changes prevent information from passing between different areas of the brain or between the brain and the muscles or organs. As symptoms worsen, it becomes harder for people to remember recent events, to reason, and to recognize people they know. Eventually, a person with Alzheimer’s disease may need full-time assistance.

Stages of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease ranges from mild to severe.

Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: People with mild Alzheimer’s disease develop memory problems and thinking difficulties that may include:

  • taking longer than usual to perform daily tasks
  • difficulty handling money or paying the bills
  • wandering and getting lost
  • experiencing personality and behaviour changes, such as getting upset or angry more easily, hiding things, or pacing.

Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

In moderate Alzheimer’s disease, parts of brain responsible for language, senses, reasoning, and consciousness become damaged. This can lead to:

  • Greater memory loss and confusion
  • Difficulty recognizing friends or family
  • An inability to learn new things
  • Difficulty performing tasks with several stages, such as getting dressed
  • Difficulty coping with new situations
  • Impulsive behaviour

Severe Alzheimer’s disease

In severe Alzheimer’s disease, plaques and tangles are present throughout the brain, causing the brain tissue to shrink substantially. This can lead to:

  • An inability to communicate
  • Dependency on others for care
  • Being unable to leave bed all or most of the time

Signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning the symptoms get worse over time. Memory loss is a key feature, and this tends to be one of the first symptoms to develop. Symptoms appear gradually, over months or years.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include:

  • Memory loss: A person may have difficulty taking in new information and remembering information.
  • Cognitive deficits: A person may experience difficulty with reasoning, complex tasks, and judgment.
  • Problems with recognition: A person may become less able to recognize faces or objects or less able to use basic tools, even if they can see them clearly.
  • Problems with spatial awareness: A person may have difficulty with their balance, trip over, or spill things more often, or they may have difficulty orienting clothing to their body when getting dressed.
  • Problems with speaking, reading, or writing: A person may develop difficulties with thinking of common words, or they may make more speech, spelling, or writing errors.

Diagnosis

  • Cognitive and memory tests to assess the person’s ability to think and remember
  • Neurological function tests to test their balance, senses, and reflexes
  • Blood or urine tests
  • A CT Scan or MRI scan of the brain
  • Genetic testing

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Ammana S et al. Ayurvedic management of Alzheimer’s Disease

Ayurvedic concept on Alzheimer’s disease

As per the opinion of Acharya Sushruta old age is above 70 years[1] whereas according to Acharya Charaka, it is above 60years.[2] Vata dosha is predominant in old age, it causes atrophic involution of tissues and is responsible for most of the manifestation of aging. As the age advances Agni also get depleted which again causes atrophy due to defective metabolism. According to Ayurveda aging is Swabhavaja Vyadhi. Sharangdhara Samhita has reference addressing the loss of different biological factors during different decades of life due to aging.[3] In Ayurveda the impaired memory is seen in Smriti Vibhrama[4] and the behavioural changes in dementia is comparable with features of Pranaavruta Vyana.[5] The aim of the treatment approach should be to prevent the further brain degeneration and revert back the normal daily functioning.

Case Report

Aatura Parichaya

  • Patient name - xyz
  • Age - 66 Years.
  • Sex - Male.
  • Religion - Muslim.
  • Occupation - Retired teacher.
  • Address - Kot Bhalwal Jammu.

Pradhana Vedana

Loss of interest in daily activities since 2 years.
Fatigue since 2 years.
Reduced appetite since 2 years.
Increased sleep since 2 years.
Increased doubts since 2 years.

Vedana Vrittanta

A 66 years old male patient presented in the OPD complaining loss of interest in daily activities, fatigue, reduced appetite and increased sleep for 2 years Patient is the second child of non -consanguineous parents, an introvert from childhood. For the last 20 years his daughter is living with them after separated from her husband. He is thinking that he is solely responsible for his daughter’s condition. This made him so sad and feels guilty that he remains restricted inside his home without much social interaction.

His son made him to visit a psychiatrist nearby and was diagnosed with dementia in and started medication. But he didn’t get much relief. So, they consulted here for better treatment.

Poorva Vyadhi Vrittanta

History of Hypertension since 10 years. (on medication).
No History of T2DM and Hypo/Hyperthyroidism.

Kutumbh Vrittanta

No significant history was found.

Vyaktika Vrittanta

Food habit: Mixed diet (Non-veg - Weekly twice)
Sleep: Increased.
Bowel: Constipated.
Micturition: 5-6times/day,1 time/night.

General Examination

Pallor - Positive
Clubbing - Absent
Oedema - Absent
Cyanosis - Absent.
Icterus - Absent
Lymphadenopathy - Absent
Weight - 52 Kg.
Height - 5.4 feet.
BMI - 22.5.
BP - 144/92 mm of hg.
Pulse - 88/min.
Respiratory rate - 19/min.
Temp - 98.6°F

Ashta Sthana Pariksha

Nadi - Vataj (88bpm)
Mala - Prakrita
Mutra - Prakrita
Jihwa - Ishat Liptata
Shabda - Aspastha
Sparsha - Anushna Sheetha
Druk - Prakrita
Akriti - Madhyama

Dashavidha Pariksha

Prakruti - Vata-Pitta
Vikriti - Vata- Kaphaj
Sara - Madhyama
Samhanana - Madhyama
Pramana - Madhyama
Satwa - Madhyama


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Satmya - Shadrasa
Aharashakti - Madhyama
Vyayamashakti - Avara
Vaya - Vridha

Systemic Examination

Respiratory System: Normal Vesicular Breath Sound heard.

Cardiovascular System: S1 S2 heard. No added sound heard.

Central Nervous System: Patient is conscious and oriented to time, place and person.

Gastro – Intestinal Tract: Soft and Non –Tender

Neurological System: Higher mental functions like attention and concentration were slightly impaired, abstract thinking was impaired and the dimensions of speech like intensity and speed were reduced

Mental Status Examination

General appearanceLean, well dressed
Psychomotor behaviourReduced
Attitude towards examinerCo-operative
MoodSad
AffectAnxious
SpeechPoverty of speech, low pitch
JudgmentSlightly impaired

Management

Panchkarma Modalities

ProcedureDrugsDays
Pratimarsa NasyaMahapanchgavya Ghrita 5 drops7 days
TakradharaDashamoola and Triphala Kwatha7 days
DhoopanaHaridradi Choorna7 days

Abhyantar Aushadhis

SNDrugDoseAnupana
1.Smritisagara Rasa1 BD (A/M)Drakshadi Kwatha
2.Drakshadi Aristha25 ML (A/M)Sam Bhag Jala
3.Bhrami Vati2 BD (A/M)Water
4.Aswaghandhaadi Tail2 timesExternal application (Sira Pradesh)

Observations and Results

Assessment scales

ScaleOn 1st Day1 Month2 Months3 Months
MMSE22222428

After 3month of treatment, patient shows marked improvement in loss of interest in daily activities, fatigue, reduced appetite and increased sleep.

Discussion

Pratimarsa nasya is done with Mahapanchagavya Ghrita to alleviate the behavioural changes and improve cognitive functions. Pratimarsa Nasya with Mahapanchagavya Ghrita which is indicated in Kaphaja Unmada was selected to alleviate the behavioural changes associated with dementia.

Takradhara is done with Dashamoola & Triphala Kwatha to reduce Kaphaja symptoms, for stimu-lation of brain & to bring out normal dopaminergic activity. Smritisagara Rasa - Improve sensory & motor function - Kaphagna, Sanjnasthapaka, Smrtivardaka, Masthishka Dourbalyahara[6]

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is progressive degeneration of brain with changes in behavioural and cognitive levels. The present case study of Alzheimer’s disease treated with Ayurvedic medications and therapies yielded changes in depressive and cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease thereby helped the patient to improve his day -to -day functioning. There is further scope in the field of Ayurveda in managing such conditions as well as in providing better outcome both in the health status of the affected as well as their caretakers.

References

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3. Sharangadharacharya. Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, 6/62. 4th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2000. p. 77 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

4. Acharya JT, editor. Agnivesha, elaborated by Charaka and Dridhabala, with Chakrapani commentary. Charaka Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Unmadanidanam Adhyaya, 7/11–98. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2014. p. 470–474 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]


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Ammana S et al. Ayurvedic management of Alzheimer’s Disease

5. Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Nidana Sthana, Chapter 16, Vata Shonita Nidana. Reprint 2010. In: Sreekantamurthy KR, translator. Vol. 2. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; p. 167–168 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

6. Tripathi I. Yogaratnakara, Apasmara Chikitsa. 4th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2012. p. 400 [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

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