Ayurvedic Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease

January 18, 2025

Recent breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s disease research offer new hope for effective treatments. A team led by Professor Anirban Bhunia at the Bose Institute has explored innovative approaches to combat neurodegenerative disorders, particularly focusing on amyloid proteins, which are central to Alzheimer’s pathology.

Role of Amyloid Proteins

Amyloid proteins contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. They aggregate to form plaques in the brain, leading to cell death. This process causes cognitive decline and memory loss, hallmarks of the disease.

Innovative Treatment Strategies

Professor Bhunia’s team employed two main strategies. First, they chemically synthesised peptides to inhibit amyloid beta aggregation. Second, they repurposed Lasunadya Ghrita (LG), an Ayurvedic remedy, to target amyloid beta aggregation effectively.

Lasunadya Ghrita (LG)

LG is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine known for treating mental illnesses. Its non-toxic compounds were characterised for their ability to disrupt amyloid fibrillation and inhibit oligomer formation, showing promise in treating Alzheimer’s.

Research Findings

The study published in *Biochemistry* brought into light chemically designed peptides as non-toxic and effective against amyloid proteins. Collaborations with Ayurveda experts showed that natural compounds could enhance the breakdown of amyloid beta more effectively than synthetic peptides.

Symptoms and Progression

Early symptoms include memory loss and difficulty in recent events. As the disease progresses, patients may struggle with daily tasks, lose recognition of familiar faces, and experience personality changes such as depression and aggression.

Preserved Skills

Despite severe cognitive decline, individuals with Alzheimer’s may retain some abilities, known as preserved skills. These can include reading, storytelling, singing, and engaging in crafts, often managed by unaffected brain regions.

Future Directions

The promising results of this research may lead to further exploration of Ayurvedic remedies in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This could enhance the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer’s and similar disorders.

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