Abstract

CONCEPT AND MANAGEMENT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

Gazala Fatma*, Sofia Naushin, Neelam Quddusi, Mohammad Fazil, Rashidullah Khan

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Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is an age-related chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by disturbance of multiple cortical functions, including memory, orientation, judgement comprehension, language and learning capacity. More than 25 million people in the world are currently affected by Alzheimer’s disease with around 5 million new cases occurring every year. In the Unani system of medicine there is no direct reference to this disorder but Alzheimer’s disease is almost associated with Nisyān (amnesia) or fasad-e-takhayyu’l or dimagh ki kharabi. It is due to Balgham Lazij (viscid phlegm) and excess Ruṭūbāt (wetness) in brain. The signs and symptoms of nisyan are Buṭlān al- Takallum (speech impairment), Buṭlān al- tahrir (writing impairment), and Fasād al-fikr (impaired thought), which worsen gradually with time. Unani system of medicine is endeavored with enormous single and compound drugs with least side effects which can enhance the condition. This review paper will reveal the concept, etiopathology, sign & symptoms, preventive measure and management.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease, Unani Medicine, Nisyān (amnesia), Fasād al- Takhāyīl.