Age Related Neurodegenerative Disorders w.s.r to Dementia

Aging can be defined as the gradual anatomical and physiological decline which begins to after the achievement of sexual maturity. Vriddhavastha (senility) is Vata dosha prominent phase of life. Gunas (qualities) of Vata dosha are degenerative by the nature which is increased; they result in degenerative changes in the body in terms of Dhatukshaya, Ojakshaya and Balakshaya which result in Neuro degeneration. Dementia is the progressive deterioration of intellect, emotional control, behavior and motivation along with loss of memory. Vriddhavastha (aging) is Vata dosha prominent Avastha. Vata has some Guna (qualities) that get involved in the degenerative process in the body like Laghu guna and Khara guna which is act as Lekhaniya (scraping), Vishada guna has Kshalanashakti (elution power) and, Ruksha guna has Shoshanashakti (absorbability), etc. With increasing Vata dosha, these above Gunas are also be increased, might be together or separately and will initiate the process of degeneration in the body in the terms of Dhatukshaya, Ojakshaya and Balakshaya causing various degenerative diseases. Dementia is one among them. Symptomatology of dementia are similar to Vata vriddhi lakshana, Vata nanatmajavyadhi and Ojakshaya lakshana. Manifestation of the disease condition is purely due to degenerative changes in senile periods. The disease condition is not a reversible but with the healthy changes in dietary habits and lifestyle, the disease condition might be preventable and delayed.

An Ayurvedic And Contemporary Overview Of Menopause: A Conceptual Approach

Menopause is generally defined as the cessation of menses for period of 12 months or a period equivalent to three previous cycles or the time of cessation of ovarian function resulting in permanent amenorrhea. During the period of menopause the women enters an estrogen deficient phase which leads to the various symptoms. This period is generally associated with manifestation of aging process in women. Other symptoms include hot flushes, sweating, mood changes, loss of libido etc. These symptoms affect the quality of life of the female. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the only alternative available for menopausal syndrome in modern medicine. It also has a wide range of side effects on the body of the female. In Ayurveda the context of menopause is depicted as “Jarapakwa avastha†of body and Rajonivrutti. Rajonivrutti janya laksana is a group of symptoms produced by degenerative changes in the body. Degenerative changes are explained in Ayurveda as Dhatukshaya lakshana. Vata dosha dominance is seen in the later stage of life. To combat the degenerative process of the body tissue, Acharyas have described Rasayana Chikitsa. Rasayana includes drugs which promotes longevity and improve the quality of life. Thus an effort is being made here, to study the effect of Rasayana therapy, on Menopausal syndrome, conceptually, based on Available information in Ayurvedic texts and other contemporary resources. The basic Rationale for this study is to establish a reliable platform for further Research on the Said subject.