Multi-infarct dementia, or vascular dementia, is marked by impaired cognitive function due to blocked or narrowed blood vessels serving the brain. Certain herbal therapies might improve symptoms, but you should not use alternative treatments without talking to your doctor. The UK Alzheimer's Society lists some treatments that might be useful based on clinical research.
Considerations for Treatment
Currently, no cure exists for vascular dementia or any other form of dementia. Vascular dementia symptoms vary depending on what part of the brain has been impacted. The best herbal treatments can be chosen by working with a health care provider experienced in treating this condition with alternative medicine.
Nature of Research
The UK Alzheimer's Society notes little high-quality research exists on using herbal therapies for vascular and other forms of dementia. Some treatments have shown promise, but require more research to draw any definitive conclusions.
Silymarin
The herb silymarin, which helps the liver break down toxic substances more efficiently, might reduce liver problems associated with Tacrine, a common treatment for dementia. A study cited by the UK Alzheimer's Society found patients who took 420 mg a day had less incidences of liver toxicity and tolerated the drug better.
Asian Medicine
The Japanese herbal preparation Choto-san and the traditional Chinese medicine preparation Yizhi both provided good results in studies on vascular dementia patients that were cited by the UK Alzheimer's Society. The Society notes that Yizhi studies were of poor quality, but results indicate further research might be beneficial.
Herbal Oils and Massage
Several studies cited by the Society reported that a combination of massage and aromatherapy with certain essential oils like lemon balm and lavender produced positive benefits, including relaxation and reduced wandering.
Tags: Alzheimer Society, cited Alzheimer, cited Alzheimer Society, herbal therapies, Society notes, vascular dementia