Dementia Treatment in Ayurveda – Memory Loss का आयुर्वेदिक इलाज || भूलने की बीमारी (Dementia) का इलाज – Ayurvedic Remedies, Signs & Natural Care Tips || Ayurvedic Cure for Dementia – Brain Health के लिए Desi Gharelu Upay
🧠Dementia
Symptoms, Ayurvedic Treatment & Real-Life Experiences
By Ayurvedic Student – Ayush Awasthi
🧩 What is Dementia?
Dementia isn't a single disease – it's a broad term for a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.
Dementia is not just “bhoolne ki bimari” or “budhape ki bimari” as many think. It is a serious condition where a person starts losing memory, reasoning, behaviour control, and even basic thinking. Over time, the person may forget their close ones, places, dates, and may behave differently.
Imagine this: one of my friend’s uncles, who was once a very sharp and active man, suddenly started forgetting simple things – like where he kept his keys, or what he just ate. At first, everyone thought it was “normal old age.” But slowly, he forgot familiar faces, and even names of his grandkids. It turned out to be dementia.
Dementia affects daily life, emotional health, and independence. It’s mostly seen in older adults, but early-onset cases are rising too.
🌍 Is Dementia Same as Alzheimer’s?
Not exactly. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia – and the most common one. But dementia itself is a broader term. It includes many types like:
-Alzheimer’s
-Vascular Dementia (after a stroke)
-Lewy Body Dementia
-Frontotemporal Dementia
🔍 Common Symptoms of Dementia
These are the signs you should never ignore:
- Memory loss (forgetting dates, names, routes)
- Confusion with time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images or directions
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Poor judgment & decision-making
- Mood and personality changes
I remember my neighbor aunty, age 65, started mixing up names of her children. She would go out and forget how to come home. Slowly, even recognizing faces became hard. That’s when her son consulted both an Ayurvedic doctor and a neurologist.
🤔 Is Dementia Curable?
In Allopathy, dementia is not fully curable, but its progression can be slowed with medicines and lifestyle support.
However, Ayurveda sees this as a ‘Majja Dhatu Dushti’ (disturbance in brain tissues) and offers a holistic approach to manage, slow down, and in early stages – even reverse mild cognitive decline.
💊 Allopathy Treatment – Limited & Symptomatic
Honestly, there’s no permanent cure in Allopathy yet. Medicines like:
Donepezil (Aricept)
Memantine (Namenda)
are prescribed to slow down progression and manage symptoms.
Allopathic medicines like Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Memantine are given to slow the symptoms. They don’t cure, but support cognitive function for a while.
But long-term use can cause:
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Confusion
-Fatigue
That’s why many people now combine Ayurveda + minimal Allopathy for best results.
But Sharma uncle’s son told me, "Dawai se kuch jyada farq nahi pada. Bhoolne wali baatien waise ki waise hain.”
This is where Ayurveda becomes a ray of hope.
🌿 Ayurvedic View on Dementia
According to Ayurveda, dementia falls under the category of "Smriti Bhramsha" (loss of memory) and "Buddhi Mandya" (cognitive dullness), caused by imbalance in Vata Dosha – specifically Prana Vata, which governs the nervous system.
✳️ Main Doshas Involved:
- Vata (especially Prana Vata) – controls brain functions
- Tarpaka Kapha – maintains lubrication in brain cells
- Majja Dhatu – the brain marrow or nerve tissues
When these are imbalanced, memory loss, confusion, and anxiety start appearing.
Let me now share what actually helps — these are remedies I've personally seen working for my friend's father and also discussed with Ayurvedic practitioners during my training.
In Ayurveda, such conditions are categorized under "Smritibhramsha" (स्मृतिभ्रंश) or "Smritinasha".
It is caused due to imbalance in:
-Vata Dosha (mainly ‘Prana Vata’ – responsible for brain and mental activities)
-Weak ‘Sadhaka Pitta’ (controls intellect and emotions)
-Low ‘Ojas’ (vital energy)
🧠 Ayurveda Says:
> “मनसो विकाराः वातपित्तकफानां दोषाः कारणानि भवन्ति”
(Mental disorders like dementia arise due to doshic imbalances, primarily Vata.)
1. Medhya Rasayana – Ayurvedic Brain Tonics
Medhya Rasayanas are herbal nootropics used for brain rejuvenation.
🔹 Best Herbs for Brain Health:
| Herb | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) |
Boosts memory, reduces stress |
| Shankhpushpi | Enhances intelligence, calms nerves |
| Vacha (Acorus calamus) | Improves speech & mental clarity |
| Ashwagandha | Reduces anxiety, nourishes brain |
| Jatamansi | Relaxes mind, helps in insomnia |
| Guduchi (Giloy) | Boosts immunity & clears toxins |
| Yashtimadhu (Licorice) | Enhances memory and acts as adaptogen |
2. Nasya Therapy (Nasal Oil Application)
Daily Anu Taila Nasya in the morning can help deliver herbs directly to the brain through the nasal route.
How to do it:
- 2 drops of lukewarm Anu Taila in each nostril
- Best time: Morning on empty stomach
👉 Note: Always consult an Ayurvedic Vaidya before starting nasya.
3. Abhyanga (Head & Body Oil Massage)
Warm oil massage on head & body with Brahmi Taila or Ksheerabala Taila calms the mind and enhances blood circulation.
- Regular massage helps improve coordination and awareness.
- Useful in slowing down neurodegeneration.
4. Meditation, Chanting & Pranayama
Pranayama like Anulom Vilom and Bhramari help stimulate brain oxygen supply. Simple chanting of ‘OM’ or Gayatri mantra also strengthens memory and focus.
📌 Even my grandfather, at 75, chants OM for 5 minutes daily and does mild pranayama. His focus has become surprisingly better.
5. Diet Tips for Brain in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, a Satvik diet supports the brain.
🥗 Foods That Boost Memory:
- Cow’s ghee – nourishes brain (1 tsp daily)
- Soaked almonds & walnuts – omega-rich
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – Vitamin C, rejuvenates tissues
- Pumpkin seeds – full of zinc & magnesium
- Turmeric (Haldi) – anti-inflammatory for the brain
🚫 Avoid:
- Excess spicy, sour & stale foods
- Late-night eating
- Preservatives & packed foods
🏠 Real-Life Experience: How Ayurveda Helped My Friend's Father
One of my classmates’ fathers, age 68, was diagnosed with mild dementia. They consulted an Ayurvedic doctor in Haridwar, and started:
- Brahmi Ghrita (1 tsp with warm water)
- Anu Taila Nasya (morning)
- Daily Abhyanga
- Light satvik diet
- Chanting + evening walks
Within 5–6 months, his mood swings reduced, his forgetfulness decreased, and he started remembering recent conversations better.
📌 Ayurveda doesn’t give magic results in 2 days – but with consistency, the changes are real.
🍽️ Diet for Dementia Patients – Desi Vata Balancing Food
| Recommended. | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Warm milk with turmeric | Cold or raw food |
| Desi ghee (1 tsp daily) | Oily, fried items |
| Soaked almonds, walnuts | Fermented foods |
| Mung dal khichdi | White sugar |
| Dates, Anjeer | Curd at night |
| Fresh fruits (apple, banana) | Over-spicy food |
⚠️ Lifestyle – What Makes it Worse
📌 Practical Tips for Caregivers
❓ FAQs on Dementia and Ayurvedic Treatment
Q. Can dementia be reversed in Ayurveda?
In early stages – yes, memory and cognitive decline can be improved significantly with Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy and Panchakarma.
Q. How long does Ayurvedic treatment take?
Minimum 3–6 months to see visible results. It's slow but natural, safe, and long-lasting.
Q. Can we take Ayurvedic medicine with Allopathy?
Yes. But always consult an experienced Vaidya to adjust timing/dosage and avoid herb-drug interaction.
Q. Which oil is best for dementia massage?
Brahmi Taila and Ksheerbala Taila are most effective. Massage gently on scalp and soles.
Q. Is Panchakarma helpful in dementia?
Absolutely. Especially Shirodhara, Nasya, and Basti therapy (medicated enema) work well in reducing Vata imbalance and nourishing Majja Dhatu.
Q. Which yoga poses are helpful?
- Shavasana
- Vajrasana
- Balasana (Child's Pose)
- Tadasana
- Meditation
Even 20 mins daily can help brain relaxation.
🔗 Blog related to Memory boosting 🧠:
👉 If you want to improve brain power naturally, also read my detailed post:
Memory Boosting Herbs in Ayurveda – Brahmi, Shankhpushpi & More
https://stellarayurveda.blogspot.com/2025/07/ayurvedic-memory-herbs.html
🪷 Final Words from an Ayurvedic Student
Dementia might sound scary, but I’ve seen lives change with Ayurveda. It may take time, but when we combine herbs, panchakarma, diet, yoga, and love, the brain starts responding.
If you know someone struggling with early signs of memory loss or confusion, don’t ignore it. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor, start small changes, and observe the positive shift over weeks.
📌 Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. I am an Ayurvedic student sharing personal experiences, general wellness tips, and knowledge learned during my studies. The content here is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Always consult with your doctor or a registered medical practitioner before starting any new diet, lifestyle change, or herbal remedy – especially if you have an existing health condition, are pregnant, or are taking medications.
Stellar Ayurveda does not claim to cure, treat, or prevent any disease through this blog. The remedies and tips mentioned are based on traditional Ayurvedic principles, personal observations, and family experiences.
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