DAAN Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

A medicine derived from a Chinese herb is showing promise for Alzheimers:

“In health, researchers are testing a new way to prevent or at least slow down Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a Chinese herb that early research shows might be better than the drugs currently being used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and slow down memory loss.

When you hear Melvin Zuckerman recall events from the past.

“I moved away from that house in 1938,” said Zuckerman.

You would never suspect he has Alzheimer’s disease.

Here’s the give away: He can’t remember 3 words for 45 seconds.

How does this happen? Well when new memories travel through our brain they are led by a chemical called acetylcholine Alzheimer’s deteriorates the production of acetylcholine in effect stealing memories.

But researchers are hoping this experimental drug, derived from a natural Chinese herb, can change that. It’s called huperzine and Doctor Hillel Grossman says it works similar to drugs currently on the market that boost acetylcholine.
He’s testing it on patients like Melvin to see if it works better.

“If you can prop up the amount of the acetylcholine that is there, that’s available, flowing through the neurons than memory can be sustained,” said Dr. Hillel Grossman, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

Melvin just started the drug. He realizes it won’t stop Alzheimer’s but hopes it will help him hold on to his memories a little longer.”

Tags: Herbs //