Aging and Alzheimers

Aging and AlzheimersConceptA progressive disease that causes disruption in cognitive function. The most common form of this disease, mostly affects people over 60 years of age with increasing incidence as age progresses. Twice as common in women as men. Accounts for more than 65% of dementias. Survival rates average around 7 years.

Characteristics Early Stage- Loss of recent memory, inability to learn and retain new information, language problems (cant find the words), mood swings and personality changes

Middle stage- Patients are at risk for falls or accidents due to confusion, cant learn or recall information. Loss of sense of time and place.

End Stage- Coma and death, usually from infection

* Organic problem (Blood stasis in brain) within months can go to extremes

* Non-organic problem can take years to go from stage to stage

TCM Etiology Pre-heaven EssenceDeficiency

Aging

External Pathogenic Factors

PoorDiet

TCM MechanismDue to pre-heaven essencedeficiency and aging there may be insufficient yinblood to transform essence and fill the sea of marrow. Impaired memory and lack of spirit can also be due to heart blood deficiency. There is generally a heat or fire mechanism and a phlegm mechanism in place also.

Differentiation and TreatmentAlzheimers due to Liver QiStagnation mixed with phlegm retentionSymptoms Heart vexation, easily angered, depression, oppression

No desire to speak, bilateralhypochondriac distention

Tongue body is dark with possible dark spots, slimy fur coating

Pulse is wiry/slippery

Treatment Principle Soothe Liver Qi, move Blood, dispel Phlegm

Points for Alzheimers due to Liver QiStagnation mixed with Phlegm retention Du 20,Si Shen Cong,Liv 3,SP 6,ST 40

For long term treatment, alternate above points with DU 19, 21, 24; BL 17, 18, 20, 47; Liv 2,13; GB 43; ST 36

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Liver QiStagnation mixed with Phlegm retentionWu Shi Gan Yu Fang Jia Wei(Master Wus liver depression formula with added flavors)

15 grams each of Chuan Xiong and Dan Shen

12 grams each of Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Chi Shao & Xiang Fu

9 grams each of Ban Xia, Chai Hu, Chen Pi, Qing Pi & Shi Chang Pu

MODIFICATIONS If there is more heat add 9 grams each of Zhi Zi & Mu Dan Pi

If there is more blood deficiency add 9 grams each of Dang Gui & Bai Shao

If there is more Spleen deficiency add 9 grams each of Bai Zhu & Fu Ling + 6 Gr of Gan Cao

Alzheimers due to Liver & Kidney Yindeficiency mixed with phlegm retention and stagnationSymptoms Longhistory of disease, dizziness, vertigo, numbness & tingling of the hands and feet

Loss of intelligence and coordination, decreased memory, lack of spirit in both eyes

Stagnant facial expression, malar flush, night sweats, dry, scaly skin, easily angered

Tongue body is dark red with possible dark spots, greasy or less coat

Pulse is wiry/thin, possibly rapid

Treatment Principle Supplement Liver & Kidney, move Blood, dispel stagnation

Points for Alzheimers due to Liver & Kidney Yindeficiency mixed with Phlegm retention and stagnation BL 18, 23, 52, Si Shen Cong, Du 20, SP 6, ST 40

For moreSpleen deficiencyadd: ST 36

For more Yindeficienct Fire add: Kid 1

If there is dizziness and vertigo, add: GB 20

For dry mouth and constipation add: Kid 6, SJ 6

For night sweats add: He 6

For more anger add: Liv 2

For lack of Spirit in the eyes add: Yintang

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Liver & Kidney Yindeficiency mixed with phlegm retention and stagnationModified Liu Wei Di Huang Wan 15 grams each of Shu Di & Fu Ling

12 grams each of Shan Zhu Yu, Mu Dan Pi, Ze Xie, Chi Shao, Bai Shao, Chuan Xiong & Hong Hua

9 grams each of Tao Ren, Yuan Zhi, & Shi Chang Pu

MODIFICATIONS If there is more Spleen deficiency add 9 grams each of: Ban Xia & Shan Yao + 6 grams of Chen Pi

If there is more Yindeficienct fire add 9 grams each of: Zhi Mu & Huang Bai

For more dizziness/vertigo add: 12 grams of Ci Shi and 9 grams each of Tian Ma, Gou Teng & Nu Zhen Zi

For dry mouth and constipation add: 9 grams of Sang Shen, Tian Hua Fen & Bai Zi Ren

For vexation, agitation and stiff tongue add: 12 grams each of Zhen Zhu Mu & Bai He

For hemiplegia and numbness add: 15 grams each of Ji Xue Teng, Dan Shen + 9 grams of Dang Gui & E Jiao

Alzheimers due to Spleen & Kidney Yangdeficiency mixed with Phlegm retention and stagnationSymptoms Slow movement, dull affect, scanty speech, can have aphasia, difficult thinking

Decreased memory, numbness in the limbs, loss of mental and physical sharpness

Tongue body is pale but dark w/possible dark spots, greasy or less coat

Pulse is deep, slow and weak or soggy and hesitant, could also be slippery, fine and choppy

Treatment Principle Supplement and warm Spleen & Kidney, move Blood, dispel stagnation

Points for Alzheimers due to Spleen & Kidney Yangdeficiency mixed with Phlegm retention and stagnation BL 20, 23, 52, Si Shen Cong, Du 20, SP 6, ST 40

For more tinnitus add: GB 2, SJ 21

For marked fatigue and lack of strength add: ST 36

If there is dizziness and vertigo, add: GB 20

For lack of Spirit in the eyes add: Yintang

For more anger add: Liv 2

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Spleen & Kidney Yangdeficiency mixed with Phlegm retention and stagnationModified Fu Zi Nan Xing You Jin Tang 12 grams each of Shan Zhu Yu, Yu Jin, Chuan Xiong, Chi Shao & Tao Ren

9 grams each of Zhi Qiao, Dan Nan Xing & Hong Hua

6 grams each of Rou Gui & Fu Zi

MODIFICATIONS Fatigue and lack of strength add: 15 grams of Huang Qi, 9gr - Dang Shen & Bai Zhu, 6gr - Gan Cao

For more dizziness/tinnitus add: 12 grams of Sang Ji Sheng, Gou Qi Zi, Tian Ma & Xu Duan

Alzheimers due to Spleen & HeartdeficiencySymptoms Confused, chaotic thinking, tendency towards sorrow and crying easily

Scanty speech, slow movement, introverted, lassitude of spirit, spontaneous sweat

Lack of strength, palpitations, easily frightened, shortness of breath, lack of taste

Tongue body is pale and swollen w/thin white coat

Pulse is thin and weak

Treatment Principle Supplement Spleen & Heart, Calm spirit

Points for Alzheimers due to Spleen & Heartdeficiency BL 15, 17, 20, 52, Si Shen Cong, Du 20

For more Heartdeficiency add: He 7, For more xue yu add: SP 6

For more phlegm, add: ST 40

For no strength or digestive weakness add: ST 36

For easily frightened add: P 7

For immense sorrow add: SP 1

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Spleen & HeartdeficiencyModified Yang Xin Tang 12 grams each of Ren Shen, Mai Dong & Suan Zao Ren

9 grams each of Shu Di, Sheng Di, Dang Gui & Fu Ling

6 grams each of Bai Zi Ren & Wu Wei Zi + 3 gr Gan Cao

MODIFICATIONS For chaotic speech add 9 grams each of: Shi Chang Pu, Long Gu & Yu Jin

For more Heat add: 9 grams of Huang Lian

ForBlood stagnationadd: 9 grams of Dan Shen and 3 grams Hu Po

Forstagnant Phlegm add: 9 grams each of Shi Chang Pu, Yuan Zhi, Ban Xia & Chen Pi

For Dampstagnation in the middle add 9 grams each of: Huo Xiang, Pei Lan, Shi Chang Pu & Bai Dou KouEliminate: Dang Gui, Bai Zi Ren, Suan Zao Ren & Wu Wei Zi

Alzheimers due to Liver Yang RisingSymptoms Headache, dizzy, red face and eyes, irritable, restless, frantic activity, lack of sleep, profuse dreams

Stiff tongue, slurred speech, numbness and tingling of the limbs

Possible deviation of mouth and eyes

Tongue body is red with white or yellow coat

Pulse is thin and rapid

Treatment Principle Soothe the Liver, Settle Yang, Open orifices

Points for Alzheimers due to Liver Yang Rising GB 20, Si Shen Cong, Du 20, SP 6, GB 39

For constipation add: Kid 6 & SJ 6

For blood in urine, add: SP 9

Forhypochondriac pain add: Liv 3

For restlessness, scanty sleep and profuse dreams add: P 7

For red eyes and face add: Liv 2

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Liver Yang RisingModified Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin 12 grams each of Sang Ji Sheng & Suan Zao Ren

9 grams each of Shi Chang Pu, Bai Shao, Gou Qi Zi, Tian Ma, Gou Teng, Du Zhong, Niu Xi, Ye Jiao Teng, Huang Qin & Yi Mu Cao

6 grams each of Shi Jue Ming, Zhi Zi, Fu Ling

MODIFICATIONS For constipation and red urine add 6 grams each of: Da Huang & Mang Xiao

Forhypochondriac pain add 9 grams of: Qing Pi and 12 gr of Yan Hu Suo

For more agitation and restlessness add: 12 grams of Long Gu & Mu Li

Alzheimers due to Heart FireSymptoms Headache, palpitations, red face & lips, scanty sleep, profuse dreams, chaotic speech

Laughing and crying without consistency, unregulated thinking and anxiety

Rash behavior, red urine, dry stools

Tongue body is red especially on tip with thin yellow coat

Pulse is wiry and rapid

Treatment Principle Clear Heart Fire, Calm Spirit

Points for Alzheimers due to Heart Fire He 5, Si Shen Cong, Du 20, Per 7

For headache add: ST 8, Taiyang, Yintang, BL 7

For palpitations, scanty sleep & dreams, Bleed Per 8 & He 9

For unregulated thinking and anxiety: Bleed SP 1

Forblood in urine add: Ren 3

For dry throat & mouth add: Kid 6

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Heart FireModified Xie Xin Tang & Dao Chi San 30 grams of Sheng Di

15 grams each of Ci Shi & Xuan Shen

12 grams of Long Gu

9 grams each of Huang Qin, Zhi Zi, Mu Dan Pi & Yu Jin

6 grams each of Da Huang, Dan Zhu Ye & Mu Tong

3 grams of Huang Lian & Gan Cao Shao

MODIFICATIONS For dry mouth and throat add 12 grams each of: Mai Dong, Tian Dong & Bai He + 9gr Shi Hu

For insomnia & dreams add 12 grams each of: Suan Zao Ren, Ye Jiao Teng & Fu Shen

Alzheimers due to Dampness & Phlegm misting the orificesSymptoms Heavy head, yellow complexion, superficial edema, fatigue, lack of strength

Profuse sleeping, rattle in chest and throat, scanty or confused speech, alternating sorrow & joy

No discrimination between good and bad, poor hygiene, drooling, abdominal distention

Tongue body is pale and swollen with thick white coat

Pulse is soggy & slippery

Treatment Principle Fortify Spleen, transform Phlegm, arouse the brain, open orifices

Points for Alzheimers due to Phlegm & dampness misting the orifices GB 20, Si Shen Cong, Du 20, ST 36, 40, SP 9

For drooling add: Ren 12

For abdominal distention, add: Ren 12 & ST 21

For lack of strength add: ST 36

For excesssleep add: LI 3

For confused speech add: He 5

For alternating joy & sorrow add: He 7 & SP 1

Herbs for Alzheimers due to Heart FireModified Xi Xin Tang 12 grams each of Ren Shen, Suan Zao Ren & Fu Shen

9 grams each of Ban Xia & Shi Chang Pu

6 grams each of Chen Pi, Shen Qu & Gan Cao

3 grams of Fu Zi

MODIFICATIONS For drooling add 9 grams each of: Zhe Bei Mu, Yuan Zhi & Dan Nan Xing

For abdominal distention delete Ren Shen, Fu Zi & Suan Zao Ren & add: 9 grams each of Huo Xiang, Pei Lan, Hou Po, Lai Fu Zi, Zhi Qiao & Mu Xiang

Root cause or at least complicates everything is Blood stagnation blocking the orifices

Sheng Hui Tang - (Boost the intelligence decoction) 30 grams of Shu Di

15 grams each of Suan Zao Ren & Bai Zi Ren

12 grams each of Shan Zhu Yu, Shi Chang Pu & Fu Shen

9 grams of Ren Shen

6 grams each of Yuan Zhi & Bai Jie Zi

You can also add Dan ShenAging and TCM

Characteristics of Aging Women transform in 7 year cycles. Health preservation should be double timed at 35

Men transform in 8 year cycles. Health preservation should be double timed at 40

Mechanism of aging and related herbs (Dr Wus personal preference)

Deficiency aspect, exhaustion of the internal organs, Heart, Liver & Kidney in particularHerbs for the Heart Ren Shen, Zhi Gan Cao, Long Yan Rou, Dang Gui

Formulas for the Heart Tian Wan Bu Xin Tang- Yin deficiency, Insomnia

Zhi Gan Cao Tang- Palpitations, weak pulse

Sheng Mai San-Deficiency of oxygen, Jet Lag

Herbs for the Kidney Shu Di (main Kidney herb), Shan Yao, Ba Ji Tian, Rou Cong Rong, Du Zhong, Huang Jing

Formulas for the Kidney Liu Wei Di Huang Wan- Kidney Yin deficiency

Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan- Kidney Yangdeficiency or Qi deficiency

You Gui Wan(Yang & Essence deficiency), Zou Gui Wan - Yin & Essence deficiency

Herbs for the Liver Shan Zhu Yu (main Liver herb), Gou Qi Zi, Suan Zao Ren, Bai Shao, E jiao

Formulas for the Liver Suan Zao Ren Tang- Liver Blood deficiency, Shen disturbance with insomnia

Er Zhi Wan- Liver Yin deficiency

Yi Guan Jian- Liver Yindeficiency with concurrent Liver Qi stagnation

Deficiency aspect,deficiency of body substances - Essence, energy, Blood, Yin & YangHerbs for Essence deficiency Huang Jing, Shu Di, Zi He Che

Herbs for Qi deficiency Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Shen, Ci Wu Jia

Herbs for Blood deficiency Dang Gui, Bai Shao, E Jiao, Ji Xue Teng, Long Yan Rou, Gou Qi Zi

Herbs for Yin deficiency Shu Di, Mai Dong, Shi Hu, Sha Shen, Wu Wei Zi, Yu Zhu, Bai He, Sang Ji Sheng, Nu Zhen Zi, Han Lian Cao

Herbs for Yang deficiency Lu Jiao Jiao, Du Zhong, Ba Ji Tian, Ying Yang Huo, Ge Jie, Hai Ma, Dong Chong Xia Cao, Gou Bian

Excess aspect, Blood stagnation, Retention of Phlegm & DampHerbs to promoteBlood circulation Dan Shen, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Yi Mu Cao

Herbs to promote water metabolism Fu Ling, Dan Zhu Ye, Yi Yi Ren

Herbs to remove Phlegm and open the orifices Yuan Zhi, Shi Chang Pu, Chen Pi, Ban Xia

The ways of leading to longevity

Healthcare should increase for males at age 40 and females at age 35

Food therapy, Oriental nutrition Dang Gui Sheng Jiang Yang Rou Tang - Take at winter solstice

2 lbs mutton- Yang Rou

30 Gr Dang Gui

15 Gr Sheng Jiang

Soak Dang Gui 30 min, then simmer all for 2 hrs or overnight

San Cai Sheng Sui Tang - 3 ingredients to boost the marrow 1 lb animal spine

2 - 3 lbs Asian turnip

30 Gr. Gou Qi Zi

At Summer solstice, drink bamboo sprout teaFrank's menu for longevity Seafood once a day

Animal Liver 1 x week

Fresh Beef 1 - 2 x week

Beans 1 or 2 x week

One or more of the following vegetables 1 x day: Bamboo Sprout, turnip, Onion, Spinach, cabbage,celery or Chinese chives

One cup of fresh vegetable juice or fruit juice per day

Four cups of boiled water a day

Outdoor exercise everyday - 8 Brocades form is great

Regulated emotions on a daily basis, a daily joke is good

Characteristics of herbal practice for elderly Herbs for removing pathogens should not be too strong

No Ma Huang, Da Huang, Mang Xiao, San Leng, E Zhu, caution with Rou Gui and Fu Zi

Caution with hot and dry herbs, not too much

Nourishing herbs should not be too greasy, use Sheng Di for dampness instead of Shu Di