Pick disease is a type of dementia which involves the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and presents as a progressive disease which includes psychiatric abnormalities, speech and language defects, symptoms of Parkinsonism, and is completely different from Alzeihemer's disease, since it occurs in a younger age group and runs a much shorter course.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Pick disease is aimed at treating the damaged brain cells, improving symptoms, preventing further deterioration, and improving the overall survival. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which strengthen the nervous system and brain are used in the management of the disease. These medicines also improve the neurotransmission between the nerve cells and therefore bring about an overall improvement in brain function and neuromuscular coordination. Aggressive treatment is required in order to prevent rapid degeneration of the brain and thereby maintain cognitive function and activities of day-to-day living.
Specific treatment may also be required in order to treat psychiatric abnormalities, speech and language defects, and symptoms of Parkinsonism. The mainstay of treatment in the management of this disease is in the form of oral medication; however, different types of Panchkarma treatments can also be supplemented in order to improve the results and bring about a faster recovery. Shiro-basti and Shiro-dhara are two treatment modalities which can help in the management of this condition. In these treatments, medicated oils are either poured continuously on the scalp or kept on the scalp for some time. These treatment modalities help in quickly containing psychiatric symptoms and improving symptoms related to stiffness, rigidity and tremor.
Individuals affected with Pick disease require Ayurvedic herbal treatment for periods ranging from 9 - 12 months in order to benefit significantly from the treatment. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can bring about definite improvement in this condition and either brings about a remission of the symptoms or a complete cure. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant contribution to play in the management and treatment of Pick disease.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
