What to Expect:
How TCM Approaches Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most difficult and far-reaching challenges of aging. It slowly alters memory, personality, and independence, touching not only the individual but their entire support network. While Western medicine focuses on slowing cognitive decline and managing behavior, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a complementary approach—one that supports the whole person by nourishing the mind, calming the spirit, and strengthening foundational systems.
In TCM, the brain is known as the “sea of marrow” and is closely connected to the health of the kidneys, heart, and spleen. When someone begins to experience memory issues, confusion, or disorientation, a practitioner looks for underlying imbalances rather than labeling a disease category. The intake process includes questions about sleep, digestion, energy, emotional state, speech, mobility, and sensory function. Tongue and pulse diagnosis may help clarify patterns of deficiency or blockage.
Alzheimer’s is not treated as a single pattern in TCM. Common presentations include Kidney Essence Deficiency, which affects the brain’s nourishment; Heart Blood Deficiency, which weakens memory and clarity; and Phlegm Misting the Mind, which can cause confusion, forgetfulness, and clouded awareness. In the early stages, Liver Qi Stagnation and emotional holding may also play a role, especially when frustration or withdrawal are present.
Treatment focuses on supporting the body’s resilience and slowing progression. Acupuncture may be used to stimulate circulation to the head, calm anxiety, and restore a sense of internal balance. Herbal therapy is tailored to each person, with formulas that may nourish Kidney Yin, strengthen Heart Blood, or resolve Phlegm. Treatment plans are always adjusted according to stage and constitution, and may become more focused on comfort and spirit in later phases.
Importantly, TCM also provides support for caregivers and family members, who often bear a heavy emotional load. Techniques like Qigong and breathing exercises can be taught to both patients and loved ones to help reduce stress and foster calm. Gentle routines—such as daily walks, warm meals, and structured rest—are seen as essential for stabilizing both body and mind.
While TCM cannot reverse Alzheimer’s, it can support quality of life. Some clinical research suggests acupuncture may improve behavioral symptoms, reduce agitation, and help with sleep. Herbal formulas are being explored for their potential neuroprotective effects, though more evidence is needed. In practice, many patients and families turn to TCM for its gentleness and its emphasis on comfort, connection, and continuity of care.
Ultimately, TCM reminds us that health is not just about function—it’s about presence, rhythm, and spirit. Even in decline, there is still dignity to be nurtured. By treating what can be treated and supporting what must be endured, TCM offers a compassionate complement to biomedical care for those living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Vocabulary Guide
- Kidney essence (肾精 shèn jīng) – A vital substance stored by the kidneys, essential for brain health, memory, and longevity.
- Heart blood deficiency (心血虚 xīn xuè xū) – A pattern marked by poor memory, restlessness, or dream-disturbed sleep; often related to aging.
- Phlegm misting the mind (痰迷心窍 tán mí xīn qiào) – A TCM pattern describing cognitive confusion caused by internal obstruction.
- Liver qi stagnation (肝气郁结 gān qì yù jié) – Emotional tension or stress that may lead to withdrawal, depression, or frustration.
- Sea of marrow (髓海 suǐ hǎi) – A TCM term for the brain, believed to be nourished by kidney essence and linked to memory and cognition.
