Alzheimer's Disease Revisited: An Integrative Review of Modern Neurology and Ayurvedic Therapeutics

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting older adults, characterised by a gradual decline in memory, cognition, and behaviour. It is the leading cause of dementia worldwide, and its prevalence is rising rapidly with ageing populations. From a biomedical perspective, AD involves pathological hallmarks such as Amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, cholinergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic neuroinflammation. Aim: To present an integrative review of Alzheimer’s disease from both modern neurological and Ayurvedic perspectives, highlighting potential therapeutic convergence and the role of Ayurvedic herbs in neuroprotection. Methods: Relevant scientific and classical Ayurvedic literature was reviewed using electronic databases, focusing on keywords such as “Alzheimer’s disease”, “ neuroprotection”, and “Medhya Rasayana”. Studies describing Ayurvedic formulations and their pharmacological mechanisms relevant to AD were critically analysed and compared with modern pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Results: Current modern therapies, such as cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) and NMDA receptor antagonists (memantine), primarily offer symptomatic relief with limited disease-modifying potential. Ayurvedic management, described under Smritibhramsha, employs Medhya Rasayana herbs including Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera, Centella asiatica, Convolvulus pluricaulis, and Curcuma longa, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloid activities. Integrative insights suggest these botanicals may enhance neuronal resilience and cognitive function. Conclusion: Integrating Ayurvedic neuroprotective principles with modern therapeutic understanding offers a holistic approach to AD management. Standardisation, clinical validation, and mechanistic studies are required to substantiate these traditional claims. Major Findings: This review explores AD’s pathophysiology, current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, Ayurvedic understanding and interventions, and suggests how integrative approaches may offer new directions in AD management.