Alzeimer's Disease affects up to 10% of people over 65 and over half of those older than 85. Many researchers predict that this number should climb as the size of older population grows and many scientists are predicting an eventual epidemic. It is a progressive brain disorder that starts with memory loss and eventually leads to dementia and death.

Alzeimer's targets the hippocampus, which is the place of the brain that houses memory and intellect. In the beginning stages of alzeimer's, most will experience some mild memory problems, such as balancing a checkbook. As the disease progresses, it starts to become more and more difficult to remember even recent memories. At this point, the memory loss resembles dementia. The person forgets faces that are familiar and functional memories like how to brush your teach or use the toilet become irretrievable.

The cause of Alzeimer's is largely unknown although there is research that points to deficiencies in the diet.  For instance, people who are suffering from Alzeimer's also tend to have low levels of B vitamins as well as zinc in their body.  Levels of antioxidants such as A and E are also low.  This finding points to the fact that free radicals may be closely tied into the onset of Alzeimer's.

Researchers have also found a connection between alzeimer patients and how concentrations of aluminum in the brain, specifically in the hippocampus area.

There are many things that researchers think you can do to either prevent alzheimer's or in the very least, delay its onset.  Here are some herbal suggestions to help prevent alzeimer's...

• Ginkgo biloba extract-  Ginkgo acts as an antioxidant and helps to increase the blood flow to the brain.  According to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, this herb was seen to help stabilize and in some cases helped to improve the mental function of people with alzeimer's.  This was later confirmed in another study 10 years ago.
• Butcher's Broom helps to promote circulation.
• Qian Ceng Ta- This chinese herb help to increase memory retention.  Pure extracts of this herb has been shown to increase mental acuity in people affected by Alzeimer's disease.
• Club Moss- This herb has been shown to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain and as a result, helps improve memory in people with Alzeimer's.
• Ashwagandha- This is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is considered a brain tonic.
• Chlorella- Chlorella helps to speed up detoxification of toxic metals such as aluminum that may cause free radical damage in the brain.