Acupuncture and brain health

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that at least five million people in the U.S. now have Alzheimer's disease.

While there are still many theories as to what causes dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and we do understand a few of the mechanisms, there is still much to be learned. For instance, we understand that "plaquing" occurs. This is caused by abnormal protein deposits, which form the plaques and "tangles" characteristic of Alzheimer's. But what goes awry in protein metabolism in the first place? Could it be the garbage proteins we consume today? Or is it because our diets are so high in carbohydrates that the result is such low protein that somehow the body is compensating? We simply don't know yet.

We know that medications can sometimes mimic dementia. The Alzheimer's Association reports, "Medication-induced dementia is the most common cause of misdiagnosed or 'reversible' dementia." We had that problem with my mother-in-law last year. Her dementia was so severe, she could no longer perform the activities of daily living (such as brushing her hair, bathing, etc.). After a couple of years in this state, she progressively went downhill. Finally, she went home for the last time with hospice. Told she only had a few more days to live, the family decided at that point to take her off all medications. An amazing thing happened! The next morning, she was lucid! Expecting that to be the bright lift some people get before they die, they enjoyed it, but weren't hopeful.

But the next day, she was even more lucid. In a matter of days, she was back into life again, laughing and interacting with family like nothing had happened. She had a lot of strength-building to do, but the change was amazing!

That was well over a year ago, and there are only mild indications of dementia. That isn't always the case, and doesn't mean you should take your loved one off meds, but a talk with the doctor may be warranted.

I spent a lot of time in China. One of the fascinating places I worked while there was the Dementia Hospital and Parkinson's Hospital. Two huge hospitals of 435 and 480 beds (as I remember) were filled with patients being treated for dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

It was interesting. They received daily acupuncture, herbal and conventional remedies, and other "alternative" medicine techniques. What was interesting was they were using electro-acupuncture - meaning after the needles were placed in the head, electrical wires were connected and turned on. This was not a shock treatment, in fact, it is gentle and relaxing.

I bring this up because conventional science is reporting on "Deep Brain Stimulation" as an option for Parkinson's. While in the case of "Deep Brain Stimulation," a device is surgically implanted in a hospital, via acupuncture, it is not.

I've done a lot of work with brain injuries and other brain challenges using acupuncture and nutritional therapy. There is much that can be done to support and improve brain function. Don't give up hope.

Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health-care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. She can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.