Application and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory decline and cognitive dysfunction, primarily affecting the elderly. Approximately 50 million people worldwide are currently affected, with projections suggesting an increase to 152 million by 2050, especially among individuals over 65, where the incidence rate can be as high as 30%. This phenomenon significantly reduces the quality of life for patients and imposes substantial psychological and economic burdens on families and society. Therefore, finding effective treatment options is crucial. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gradually shown its potential in the treatment of AD. TCM views AD as a form of “dementia” or “amnesia,” attributing its root causes to dysfunctions of organs such as the kidneys and spleen, as well as deficiencies in qi (vital energy) and blood. Through methods like regulating qi and blood and strengthening kidney function, TCM aims to improve symptoms via a holistic approach. Many herbal formulas, such as Tianma Guoteng Decoction and Angong Niuhuang Pill, have been widely studied, demonstrating promising neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, both domestic and international studies indicate that TCM has made positive strides in the clinical application of AD, particularly in multicenter clinical trials, showing improvements in cognitive abilities and delays in disease progression. Herbal components such as astragalus polysaccharides, ginsenosides, curcumin, and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) exhibit significant neuroprotective effects through mechanisms like antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and the clearance of beta-amyloid (Aβ) protein. However, standardization and clinical validation remain major challenges to its widespread application. Looking ahead, integrating modern medical research methods, such as molecular biology and genetics, will provide new perspectives for TCM in the treatment of AD, facilitating the extraction and application of its effective components, thereby improving patients’ quality of life. Overall, TCM has achieved significant success in the treatment of AD, but further in-depth research is needed to fully realize its potential.