Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Treating Dementia

Dementia is a disease that affects mostly old people.
It causes the brain celles to degenerate, rsulting in loss
of memory and changes in personality and behavior. Sufferers
also lose their ability to recognise
people and places and to control their emotions.

Practitioners of Chinese medicine believe that dysfunctions
of the heart, liver, spleen, or kidney can also cause dementia.
They believe Chinese medicine is effective in treating the
disease at an early stage. It can stabilise and slow down the
disease's progress.

Chinese medicine can be used together with Western drugs to
treat dementia. Long term use of Chinese medicine is safe. The
aim of the treatment is to balance the "qi" of the body.
Apart from medication, acupuncture and "qi gong" (breath control
exercise) may also be used in treating dementia. Sufferers should
be encouraged to take part in social activities to help improve
their brain function and should eat more vegetables, fruit, fish,
and nuts. These foods protect the brain cells and prevent the
brain from degenerating, improving blood circulation by massaging
the head, face, and neck is also recommended. Sufferers should
also stay optimistic at all times and avoid depression.

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