Alzheimer’s disease

This is a common form of dementia that affects 1 in 10 people aged over 65. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease caused by the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in certain parts of the brain. This prevents the formation of new memories and the retrieval of old memories. People with Alzheimer’s disease have also been shown to have a deficiency in zinc and Vitamins A and E. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can also mimic Alzheimer’s disease if untreated.

Symptoms: short term memory loss, dysphasia, disorientation, severe confusion and hallucinations.

Who to consult: Dietician, GP, herbalist, neurologist, speech therapist, TCM practitioner.