Sage & Alzheimers

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Sage Extract May Benefit Alzheimer's Patients Those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who take an extract of sage (Salvia officinalis) daily may experience improvements in memory and mental capacity, as well as a decrease in agitation, according to a new study. Alzheimer’s affects more than 20 million people worldwide. Symptoms include progressive memory loss, poor concentration, language problems, disorientation, and agitated behavior. The exact cause of AD is unknown, but some physicians believe it may be caused by an accumulation of aluminum in the brain or a defect in the production of a chemical in the

brain called acetylcholine, which is involved with short-term memory. Some scientists believe sage binds to specific receptors in the brain, mimicking the action of acetylcholine. Treatment may slow the progression of AD, but no studies currently show that AD can be reversed. However, this study suggests sage may lead to symptomatic improvement. The study involved 30 adults between the ages of 65 and 85 with mild to moderate AD who were randomly assigned to receive either 60 drops per day of sage extract or placebo for four months. Two rating scales (Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale and Clinical Dementia Rating) were used to measure the degree of impairment of various aspects of cognition, such as memory, orientation, judgment, problem-solving, speech, and personal care. Higher scores suggest more severe impairment. Participants were assessed every two weeks for the duration of the study. The group taking the sage extract experienced significant improvements in cognition after 16 weeks of treatment compared to the placebo group. The benefits of sage were observed between 4 and 6 weeks after starting treatment. Scores on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale increased by 22% in those taking the placebo, but decreased by 26% in the sage group. The frequency of agitation was higher in the placebo group, suggesting sage may have a beneficial effect on mood. Preliminary evidence suggests lemon balm ( officinalis) may have similar beneficial effects as sage in the treatment of AD. Other supplements that may useful in treating AD include ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), L-acetylcarnitine, vitamin E, and huperzine A. People taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®) should avoid taking ginkgo to avoid thinning the blood too much. Those taking aspirin,

another blood thinner, should consult their doctor before taking ginkgo. Source: Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2003;28:53–9). Suzi List Owner health/ http://360./suziesgoats What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

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