CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Delhi: New Delhi. Encouraging indications have emerged on the potential role of Ayurveda in improving the physical and mental health of elderly people. A community study conducted by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, in Haryana’s Faridabad district recorded improvements in the quality of life, digestive capacity and bone health of elderly people. Positive changes were also seen in cognitive tests of patients affected by dementia. The institute presented the study findings at a workshop held on October 24 and submitted the report to an expert committee.
Screening of 5,594 elderly people
Under AIIA’s public health initiative, 5,594 elderly people aged 60 to 80 years were examined over three months and given Ayurveda-based medicines. The initial assessment found vision-related problems in 67.73 percent of participants, physical inactivity in 43.05 percent and reduced cognitive capacity in 6.85 percent. High blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, constipation and sleep-related problems were also found among several elderly people.
In the first part of the study, after 60 days of intervention, the overall World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL) score increased from 292 to 326.3. Improvements were also recorded in six parameters of Agnibala, related in Ayurveda to digestive and metabolic capacity. A positive change was also found in bone mineral density.
Study also conducted on 200 dementia patients
Under a separate programme focused on dementia, 200 patients were screened over four months and given Ayurveda-based medicines. Tests such as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and 6-CIT were conducted to assess their mental and cognitive health. According to the report, both assessments showed signs of improvement. In this group, the quality of life score rose from 277.4 to 364.2. In addition, improvement was also found in levels of biological indicators such as serotonin, acetylcholine, DHEA and vitamin D.
Experts said further study is necessary
The institute’s findings point to the possible usefulness of Ayurveda-based interventions in the health of elderly people. However, the report made it clear that detailed scientific evaluation, continuous safety monitoring and further studies are necessary to confirm these results. Dementia patients or their family members should not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice, and any Ayurvedic medicine should be used only under the supervision of a qualified physician.
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