Complementary medicine/alternative therapies

Alzheimer's Society position statement

There needs to be more research into the effects of complementary therapies and treatments. People should seek advice from specially trained practitioners and their GP before using complementary therapies.

Background  

The term complementary and alternative therapy (CAM) covers many therapies. These include herbal medicine, aromatherapy and massage, music therapy, acupuncture and dietary supplements.

There has not been much high quality research into the treatment of dementia with complementary and alternative medicine, although there are some small but rigorous studies looking at aromatherapy and music. As with any health intervention, a specially trained practitioner and a doctor's advice should always be sought.

A large number of people use complementary or alternative health remedies.

There are a number of dietary supplements being investigated for their impact on the development and progression of dementia, including:

• Vitamin E
• Ginkgo biloba
• Folic acid
• Sage.

Many of these supplements have anti-oxidant effects, for which there is growing evidence of effectiveness in preventing the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Some people with dementia and carers have also gained benefit from complementary therapies including homeopathy, acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy and naturopathy. Carers, in particular, have found complementary therapies particularly beneficial in reducing levels of stress. Studies have compared aromatherapy with either lavender or lemon balm with a placebo for symptoms of agitation in people with dementia. These studies all showed that aromatherapy has significant benefits. There are also several studies comparing personalised music with a placebo, suggesting that this can be helpful and may reduce the severity of behavioural symptoms by about 25 per cent (Burns et al, 2002).

The Alzheimer's Society is funding a review of research into the effects of Ginkgo biloba. There are indications that Ginkgo biloba can improve memory and overall function for people with dementia. It also seems to have few side-effects. However, more research into its effectiveness is required.

The Society is also funding a systematic review of more established CAM therapies. This is due to be completed in late 2005.

The Society campaigns for:

• More research into the effect of complementary and alternative therapies and treatments for people with dementia
• Further evaluation of the effectiveness, safety and cost of complementary therapies in a similar way to conventional treatments.

Further information 

Alzheimer's Society (2003) Complementary and alternative medicine and dementia (information sheet). London.

Birks, J, Grimley Evans J, Van Dongen, M (2003) 'Ginkgo biloba for
cognitive impairment and dementia' (Cochrane Review), The Cochrane Library, Issue 4. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Alzheimer's Society (2002) Great minds think differently. London.

Burns, A et al (2002) 'Sensory stimulation in dementia'. British medical journal 325(7376):1312-3.

Alzheimer's Society (1998) Alzheimer's disease, the OPTIMA project and nutritional supplements. London.

Last updated: July 2004