Is Huperzine Effective for Alzheimer’s Dementia? Part 1
Every week it seems that there is a new health supplement that is said to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). For the consumer, it is very important to understand one very important concept about medicine. Whenever there are many drugs/herbs or novel compounds constantly being developed do treat a medical disorder- most likely none of them work.
Recently the dietary supplement huperzine A has been touted to treat and delay onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Huperzine is a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the plant firmoss Huperzia serrata. Laboratory work has shown that it can inhibit the enzyme -- acetylcholine-esterase like Aricept, rivastigimine and galantamine. However, in the United Statess, huperzine is sold as a health supplement and not as a pharmaceutical product.
The herb has been widely used in the orient, especially in China to treat a variety of medical disorders like fever, constipation, dry mouth, leg swelling and anemia. Isolated studies from China have shown that the herb is an effective treatment for AD and can enhance memory in young college students.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
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Interesting article. I just saw a 2009 documentary film that shows how the creative arts are being used to treat Alzheimer's patients. The film is called "I Remember Better When I Paint". The patients in this film are seen to be given a coordinated approach - and thus given better quality of life, and cmmunications channels open up. - SD
November 26, 2009 - 10:19amThis Comment
if u can provide the source, perhaps our readers can see the film. thanks for the update.
November 26, 2009 - 10:32amSB
While we saw the film at a screening, we checked for you and it is available in DVD via amazon http://www.amazon.com/Remember-Better-When-Paint-Alzheimers/dp/B002UZE8S8
And we saw there is a review of the film by someone else who attended the screening at this website http://scallywagandvagabond.com/2009/10/paint-to-preserve-memory/
December 1, 2009 - 5:22am