Understanding the ‘Panchanidan’, of Alzheimer’s Disease With ‘Ayurveda Parlance’, a case Study.

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder. Its occurrence is more common in the old age above 65 years. 1 There is difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The dementia   patient has only memory loss but in Alzheimer’s disease there is progressive degradation in intellect, behaviour and personality. There is diffuse in spread of pathology in hemispheres. Though the Alzheimer’s disease is not explained in Samhitas of Ayurveda, by thinking the causes of dysfunction of mind and intellect and disease pathology, and its pathway can be understood. To get more accuracy in understanding disease pathway, a survey of 30 patients suffering from Alzheimer was undertaken.   A questionnaire was prepared. It included detailed questions regarding their diet, lifestyle and status of their Dosha, Dhatu and symptoms related with mental and intellectual attitude. It included ‘Minicog test’ to evaluate their memory and cognition. According to Ayurveda The ‘Vayu’ has a major role in cognition, memory and intellect. After careful observation of the cases the status of the ‘Vayu’ and its impact on the mental dysfunction was studied. The credible causative factors and the pathway of disease (Panchanidan) was discussed and concluded with  Ayurvedic parlance