Concept of Dementia and its Management in Unani System of Medicine: A Review
Abstract
Dementia, derived from Latin meaning “without mind,” is a significant global health concern and the seventh leading cause of death, characterized by the progressive deterioration of cognitive functions, including memory, thinking, and behaviour. As the global population ages, dementia's prevalence is anticipated to rise dramatically, with an estimated 50 million cases currently worldwide, projected to reach 152 million by 2050. The two primary causes are Alzheimer's disease and vascular disorders. In the Unani system of medicine, dementia, referred to as Nisyān, is attributed to the dysfunction of three internal faculties: imagination (Qüwwate Khayal), thought (Qüwwate Fikr), and memory (Qirwwate Zikr), influenced by factors such as abnormal temperament (Sü' Mizāj) and disruptions in structural integrity. Clinical features vary, with early signs including short-term memory loss and disorientation. The condition can be classified into primary (degenerative) and secondary (acquired) dementias. Risk factors include age, family history, and lifestyle choices. Treatment principles in Unani medicine focus on addressing the underlying causes, correcting brain temperament, evacuating morbid matter, and employing dietary, regimental, and pharmacotherapeutic approaches. This holistic framework underscores the importance of traditional medical systems in understanding and managing dementia, advocating for a comprehensive approach to treatment that encompasses both modern and traditional practices.
Keywords: unani system of medicine, Dementia, cognitive decline, Dietotherapy, su’Mizaj
Keywords:
Unani system of medicine, Dementia, cognitive decline, Dietotherapy, su’MizajDOI
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