Geriatric medicine, termed 'Rasayanatantra', is named as one of the 8 medical divisions treated in Ayurveda. A healthy mental process has been well recognised throughout Ayurvedic medicines long history, with Sanskrit terms existing such as 'Buddhi' for intelligence and 'Cittanasa' (Citta means mind, nasa means loss of) for dementia.

The research carried out at the Department of Neurology, Southern Illinois, Springfield, USA considered the normal human life span to be 100 years, and researchers believe that this could be prolonged to 116-120 years through the use of preventive treatments, started during late youth or middle age.

The study suggests treatments of herbal preparations, diet, exercise, and attention to general mode of life and social behaviour. Several Ayurvedic herbal formulations were recommended, with special attention to their composition and preparation.

The report concluded that the average lifespan could be dramatically increased through a combination of the above methods and treatments, all of which were shown to offer significant positive benefits to those patients who took part in the study.

Source : Dementia in Ayurveda.. Manyam BV
J Altern Complement Med, 5:81-8, 1999 Feb

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