Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

While there is no cure for the disease, there are a number of strategies that may help slow its progression or reduce the risk of developing it in the first place. One such strategy involves the use of certain herbs and supplements, including one that might surprise you: sage.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a loss of cognitive functioning that interferes with daily life.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease typically begin with mild forgetfulness and progress to more severe cognitive and behavioral impairments over time. Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and there are only a few treatments that can slow the progression of symptoms.

How Does Sage Help Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease?

Sage is a type of herb that is commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications. It has been used for centuries for its various health benefits, including its potential to improve memory and cognitive function.

In recent years, researchers have begun to explore how sage might help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the key ways that sage may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease is by reducing inflammation in the brain.

Inflammation is thought to play a major role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, as it can contribute to the destruction of brain cells and lead to cognitive impairments. Sage contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain and slow the progression of the disease.

Another way that sage may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease is by reducing oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a state in which there are high levels of harmful molecules called free radicals in the body, which can damage cell structures and contribute to the development of various diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Sage has been found to contain antioxidants, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

What Does the Research Say?

While there is still much to learn about how sage might help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, there are several promising studies that suggest it may be an effective strategy.

For example, one study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that taking a sage supplement improved cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Another study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, found that sage extract decreased the levels of a protein called beta-amyloid, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.

While these studies are encouraging, it is important to note that more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of sage for Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any new supplements, as they may interact with other medications or have other unwanted side effects.

How to Use Sage for Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

If you are interested in using sage to help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, there are several ways to incorporate it into your diet and lifestyle.

One simple way to use sage is to add it to your meals as a seasoning. Sage is a popular herb in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and can be used to flavor meats, vegetables, and soups.

You can also brew sage as a tea or take it as a supplement in pill form.

Another way to use sage is to practice aromatherapy with sage essential oil. Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils to promote relaxation and improve mental and physical health.

Sage essential oil has been shown to have calming and antioxidant effects, and may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

While there is still much to learn about how sage might help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, there is evidence to suggest that it may be an effective strategy.

By reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, sage may help slow the progression of the disease and improve cognitive function. If you are interested in using sage to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, talk to a healthcare professional about the best way to incorporate it into your diet and lifestyle.