A REVIEW ON ROLE OF NITYOPAYOGA DRAVYAS AND ACHARA RASAYANA IN REVERSIBLE DEMENTIA

Abstract

Dementia has been referred to in medical texts since antiquity. Until the end of the 19th century, dementia was a much broader clinical concept. It included mental illness and any type of psychosocial incapacity, including conditions that could be reversed called as Reversible Dementia. This should also be well differentiated from a forgetfulness which is most of the times misdiagnosed as dementia. As Ayurveda gives prime importance in preventing diseases, preservation and promotion of positive health. Ayurvedic dietics in the form of Ahara explained as Nityopayogadravyas and Vihara as seen in Achara rasayana of person has significant effect in the eradication of pathologies. Senility is a diagnostic state today and most of the times the part of elderly malnutrition is overlooked which accounts to about 70 percent of population. The reversible causes of dementia are in most cases is caused due to malnourishment of vitamins specifically B12, folic acid edible proteins in diet. The vitamins and proteins are naturally available in edible form and the drug treatment in not a necessity. Hence it is worthwhile to explore the utility of proper Ahara (Nityopayoga dravyas) and Vihara (Achararasayana) that can wisdom the treatment of Reversible dementia.