Ayurvedic Management Of Cerebral Atrophy

Brain is a complex network of wires like cells called neurons. Unusual shrinkage of these neurons is known as cerebral atrophy. It can be due to various diseases that affect the brain. The progressive and gradual loss of cytoplasmic proteins ultimately results in damage to brain cells. There is a loss of cells (neurons) and the connection between these cells leading to various signs and symptoms. There is a literal shrinking of brain tissue which is eventually reflected in the performance of the brain. The neurons of which particular area that gets damaged, actions controlled by that particular part is altered.

This cerebral atrophy can be seen in two patterns, i.e. localized or generalized. In localized cerebral atrophy only the partial functioning of the brain is lost while in generalized one, all activities are diminished. Hence, signs and symptoms also vary accordingly.

WHAT CAN BE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY?

As already discussed, the symptoms depend upon the part of the brain which is affected. Some of the common symptoms are:

Dementia- Progressive memory loss, disorientation, impairment of intellect, loss of ability to learn, difficulty in organizing, sequencing and planning. These all symptoms make the life of the patient difficult and impact negatively.
Aphasia- Language problem may also occur which includes improper speech or difficulty in language understanding.
Seizures- Seizures can be mild or severe in form, which includes repetitive movements, disorientation and loss of consciousness.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY?

The most common cause is aging. As we grow old, the rate of cells degeneration in the brain is more than the production of new cells, also the neurons loses the connections. If studies are to be believed, our brain shrinks almost 1.9% in every 10 years of period. Normally the signs of atrophy become visible around 60 years of age when degeneration and shrinkage rate increase to 1 percent every year.

However there are many diseases which result in unusual cerebral atrophy. These are:

Traumatic injury to the brain
Stroke
Alzheimer’s disease
Genetic brain disorder like Huntington’s disease
Autoimmune disease like Multiple sclerosis
Improper diet or malabsorption resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency
Encephalitis, AIDS or other certain infectious diseases
Excessive consumption of alcohol
Side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Cushing’s disease which results in excessive production of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathies

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY?

If we refer to Ayurvedic literature the exact disease with its name is not mentioned so we have to go with the comparison of the pathology of the disease. As per Ayurveda, there are three doshas which govern the life process. Vata, Pitta and Kapha dosha determine the body functioning. Their balance means health and imbalance of them mean disease. Now coming to the Cerebral atrophy, Vata is the main dosha behind it. As Vata governs the functioning of the nervous system. Vitiation of Vata dosha results in diseases of the brain. Vata dosha can get aggravated due to improper lifestyle and diet. Prolonged intake of the diet which aggravates Vata or following lifestyle that impairs the balance of Vata dosha causes cerebral atrophy. In old age, there is vitiation of Vata dosha that's the reason cerebral atrophy is more common in that age. People who usually take Vata aggravating food, suffer from cerebral atrophy. Thus Vata Vyadhi is the main cause of this neural disease.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CEREBRAL ATROPHY

Planet Ayurveda, one of the best and most fast growing Ayurvedic clinics of India has come up with the amazing combination of herbal remedies which helps to manage the symptoms of Cerebral atrophy and gives better living condition to the patient. These herbal remedies are made from pure, authentic and herbs of the best quality according to the principles of Ayurveda under the strict supervision of Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD- Ayurveda). No chemicals, additives, fillers or dyers are added in them. These remedies are purely vegetarian and not tested on animals.

1. Brahmi Capsules

These herbal capsules are prepared from Bacopa monnieri herb. Brahmi is a natural brain tonic which improves the functioning of the brain and prevents premature degeneration of the cells of the brain. It improves memory and reduces stress. Its detoxifying action on the body helps to treat many diseases of the brain naturally.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Gotu kola Capsules

Centella asiatica is the herb used in the form of pure extract for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda's gotu kola capsules. It improves concentration and memory naturally. These herbal capsules prevent nervous exhaustion and relax the mind. It improves the functioning of the brain naturally without causing any side effects.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Memory Support

It is an herbal blend of various herbs which has a specific action on the brain to improve its functioning and prevents further damage to the brain. It increases the power of the brain and enhances the memory, both long term and short term. Retention of the things and concentration power of a person can be increased from the regular consumption of them. Herbs used in it are Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Licorice (Glycrrhiza glabra).

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals.

4. Medhya Churna

It is a natural memory and concentration enhancing Ayurvedic formula. Forgetfulness, cloudy thoughts and confusion of mind can be treated with this churna. It has rejuvenating action on the mind which enhances the production of new cells in the brain and prevents damage to them. Medhya churna is made from various herbs like vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale) etc.

Dosage- 1/4 teaspoon once daily with 1 spoon of Cow Ghee (Clarified Butter).

5. Curcumin Capsules

Meaning- Turmeric is pungent and bitter in taste. It is rough and hot in potency that pacifies Kapha and Pitta dosha. Skin tone and skin disorders can be treated by it. Also turmeric helps to treat diabetes, bleeding disorders, inflammation and anemia.

Reference- Bhavprakash Nighantu, Haritkayadi varga, shloka no. 197.

Curcumin capsules are potent to treat inflammation and it's all signs and symptoms. It is known to treat a wide variety of diseases, naturally. It prevents the degeneration of the cells by pacifying the inflammation. Curcumin capsules also help to purify the blood naturally.