What is Alzheimer’s exactly? This particular disease can be described as a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain; and also happens to be the most common type of dementia. It is a horrible progressive terminal disease in which the patient’s brain cells gradually die and slowly shut down many of the victim’s body functions, like speech, thought patterns and memory.
Research has shown that the largest risk factor for developing this disease is getting older. Having said that, Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder of the elderly that does not necessarily have to be part of the normal aging process.
Factors implicated in Alzheimer’s disease are: Metals like aluminum, copper and zinc; oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Confirming epidemiological pointers that diet plays a key role in the low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in India are several promising laboratory studies of the phytochemical, curcumin. Found in large quantities in turmeric, curcumin has been shown to inhibit the deposition of ß-amyloid in the brain and, in some cases, actually reverse this process.
Studies have also shown that rosmarinic acid, present in rosemary and several other spices as well as gingerol and zingerone found in ginger (which also contains curcumin) have similar protective effects. Although these are the most thoroughly researched spices in respect of Alzheimer’s disease, evidence is accumulating that several others, including garlic, have similar preventive effects against this disorder. Moreover, it is almost certain that the list of spices shown to protect against Alzheimer’s disease will continue to grow.
If we look at the known underlying factors that are thought to cause Alzheimer’s disease we can see the reasons why spices have the potential to prevent and even alleviate this condition.
Chelation: Several spices have chelating properties. Chelating agents are substances that attach to toxins (such as heavy metals) and help the body to excrete them. There is a strong possibility that the chelating characteristics of some spices help to rid the body of toxic metals like aluminium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. Coriander and turmeric are two of the most potent chelating spices.
Before any course of treatment for Alzheimer’s is undertaken, the patient’s wishes and also those of the family should be considered. One question I would like to ask, and has been asked by others is, this disease was discovered about 100 years ago, so why has the treatment for it not advanced at a faster rate.
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