Herbal medicine eases dementia

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Herbal medicine eases dementia

2004-10-26 11:27:27

 

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NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - An herbal medicine used in Asia for

2,000 years can reduce the impact of dementia, a small study

suggests.

 

After 16 people took the Chinese herbal preparation ba wei di huang

wan (BDW) for 8 weeks, they showed a boost in mental functioning,

and had less trouble doing their day-to-day activities. In contrast,

people who took an inactive (placebo) pill experienced no

improvements over the same time period.

 

" These results argue the benefits of BDW in the treatment of

dementia, " the authors, led by Dr. Koh Iwasaki of Tohoku University

School of Medicine in Miyagi, Japan, write.

 

The National Institute of Aging recommends that elderly people use

caution when taking herbal treatments, since many can interfere with

other medicines.

 

According to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society report,

BDW has been used for centuries by older adults throughout China,

Japan and Korea. Evidence also suggests the herbal treatment may

ease fatigue, cold sensation, and muscle weakness.

 

To investigate whether BDW helps improve the mental abilities of

people with dementia, Iwasaki and colleagues asked 33 patients with

mild to severe forms of the condition to try either the treatment or

a placebo for 8 weeks. None of the patients, who were an average of

84 years old, were told which they were taking.

 

Participants had dementia for an average of 5 years. By the end of

the study period, the authors noted that people who were given BDW

showed a significant improvement in their mental functioning, and in

their ability to complete day-to-day activities.

 

Even participants who showed minor improvements in mental

functioning " became quick in their action and response to

caregivers, " the authors write. " Nurses and families felt that the

patients looked cheerful. "

 

People taking the placebo showed no significant improvement in

either daily activities or mental functioning, the authors note.

 

None of the patients taking BDW experienced any side effects.

 

The reasons why BDW may improve dementia remain unclear, Iwasaki and

his colleagues write. Some research suggests the treatment may boost

the activity of important proteins in the brain, increase the amount

of brain substances associated with learning and memory, or improve

blood flow to the brain.

 

" A traditional Chinese medicine is not simply a purified substance

but contains many ingredients, and the interaction of these

ingredients is important, " the authors write. " Eight herbs in BDW

were carefully devised to interlock according to the traditional

rules. "

 

SOURCE: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, September 2004.