Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are used either together with (complementary) or as a substitute (alternative) for health and disease treatment.
These therapies are usually defined as those that fall outside of conventional medicine. They may include:
- Dietary therapies and supplements
- Herbal therapies
The effectiveness and safety of many of these therapies have not been evaluated thoroughly. Most doctors in the United States have little training in using them.
The Department of Neurology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is an exception, with a research center focused on CAM in the neurosciences and a faculty trained in complementary and alternative medicine.
Research in Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapy research focuses on finding strategies that delay the start or slow the advance of dementia.
Some treatments that could help prevent dementia are:
- Lifestyle changes: reducing trans fats in your diet and eating more fish, fruits and vegetables.
- Physical activity to help keep your brain healthy.
- Acupuncture and meditation for stress reduction.
If you take care of someone with AD who is very stressed, these treatments can help.
Some promising research in complementary therapies for dementia prevention and caregiver health are currently underway at OHSU.
Our doctors specialize in complementary and alternative medicine for neurological (brain and nervous system) disorders, including dementia and memory loss.
To make an appointment, please call 503 494-7772. Be sure to ask for the Wellness Clinic.