Neurodegenerative Diseases and Aromatherapy

Neurodegenerative diseases are diseases of the nervous system. These include:

• dementia-type diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease,

• demyelinating diseases which are the loss of the sheaths covering nerves such as multiple sclerosis,

• Parkinson’s Disease and "parkinsonian-type" diseases, and

• motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Of these, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are the most prevalent.

In Alzheimer’s, the build-up of amyloid protein and tau protein causes brain cells to die. As these proteins increase, they form larger masses called plaques which interfere with proper nerve signaling. This results in memory loss, problems with thinking and learning, difficulty with daily tasks, among other symptoms. Inflammation is a byproduct of this plaque and causes another problem with the nerves’ ability to transmit its signals. Due to their small molecular size, essential oils can pass the blood/brain barrier. They carry oxygen and other beneficial substances into the brain as well as into the rest of the body. Essential oils are highly anti-inflammatory in nature. This can reduce inflammation and reduce plaque.

With Parkinson’s Disease, nerve cells that produce dopamine begin to die off leaving the brain with the inability to use this vital neurotransmitter/hormone to send signals to muscles which accounts for symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, impaired balance and difficulty coordinating movements. It is thought that inflammation plays a large role in dopamine-producing brain cell breakdown as well. The adrenal glands produce the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine which assist with dopamine production in the hypothalamus (a gland in the brain). The hypothalamus is responsible with producing dopamine and can be stimulated by essential oils. Essential oils not only pass the blood/brain barrier but also work directly on the limbic system of the brain of which includes the hypothalamus.

Aromatherapy cannot cure these diseases but can offer much assistance in reducing symptoms. Memory loss, tremors, anxiety, muscle stiffness and other symptoms can be reduced by using essential oils known for their properties in helping the nervous system and providing anti-inflammatory actions. There are no guarantees in this. Everyone is different and responds in their own unique way to aromatherapy. But the research into the effects of essential oils on these diseases is more than just promising. More research is needed, but this is an encouraging path in addressing neurodegenerative diseases.

This is a very brief and simple introduction to neurodegenerative diseases and aromatherapy. See the internet for the research and more information on this subject. I am available to provide aromatherapy guidance in this as well as answer questions on this subject.