drsajjay/research/conclusion

The present study leads to the following conclusions. There is strong evidence that pachana, deepana, samana and rasayana chikitsa has definite role in the management of degenerative diseases. The "saama lakshana" seen in both A.D and P.D requires "Langhana chikitsa". The incidence of the disease in middle or higher economic status group, and the high incidence in individuals involved in sedentary work also indicate that the disease is common in "Sukumara prakruthi" (ie individuals who eat excessively, less active and have no exercise).

Recent researches revealed that eating less may be good for the health of the brain and may help in keeping debilitating ailments such as Alzheimers and Parkinson's disease at bay. A study conducted by scientists at the University of Wisconsin- Madison and reported in Nature Genetics, by using a powerful new gene scanning technique, to analyse activity in thousands of genes to create a molecular portrait of the aging brain. The study provides new insight into the cognitive and motor skill deficits that occur with age. The results of this study may also help to explain the basis of common neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

The new Wisconsin study shows that a reduced - calorie diet selectively lowers the age-associated increase in the activity of genes that encode inflammatory and free- radical generated stress responses. In another study, the effects of food restriction against the excessive release of endogenous glutamate and consequent over activation of glutamate receptors were identified. (Bruce-keller. etal 1999). It has been shown to reduce the levels of Lipofusin accumulation in the hippocampus and cortical neurons. These observations provide an important warning about possible uncontrolled influence of diet in neurological diseases. (Bruce- Keller -etal -1999).

While analysing the symptoms produced in A.D and P.D , it can be seen that both the diseases are "Santharpana Janya" ie due to over nutrition and physical inactivity. The above mentioned reference of recent researches support this concept. So there is ample reason to consider the disease as " Langhana saadhya" i.e. requiring decreased dietary intake and proper exercise, along with deepana, paachana and rasayana drugs.

The role of free- radicals, neuro toxins, metabolic dysfunctioning, auto intoxication etc can be explained by the concept of "Aama". "Dhatwagnimaandya" and "Saadhaka pithakshaya" may explain the impaired neurotransmoitter systems and metabolic derangement in these diseases. Aavarana of panchavayu by Kapha dosha ,Dhatukshaya, sorthodushti and ojakshaya plays a vital role in the manifestation of the disease. Thease features have been explained in the corresponding chapter's of the thesis.( University of Kerala,Ayurveda College,Trivandrum, Thesis...2000...Author..Dr.R Sajjayakumar).

The treatment given for patients with PD and AD were found effective in reducing the signs and symptoms and in improving the general health of the patients. The PD patients receiving Ayurvedic medicines showed a remarkable change in the cardinal signs like tremor , bradykinesia rigidity and postural instability. Other sensory complaints , loss of memory , and activities of daily living were improved. No adverse effects of therapy were seen in any of the patients receiving Ayurvedic drugs, whereas the control group (i.e. receiving only allopathic drugs) showed only symptomatic relief with various complications of therapy.

Patients who received Ayurvedic drugs along with allopathic drugs also showed remarkable improvement. In this group, the side effects of allopathic drug therapy were remarkably reduced. Dyskinesia, clinical fluctuations, and sleep disturbances, were reduced in patients of this group. In some cases of this group, the drug dosage of allopathic medicine was effectively reduced and the duration of drug action prolonged.The number of Alzheimer patients included in the study group was limited. In the three cases studied remarkable improvement was seen. The progress of disease was arrested and the general health of the patients was also improved. The late complications like tremor, rigidity, movement disorders etc were also improved. The treatment modality adopted in AD is similar to that of PD., except for an addition of "Medhya Yoga".From this study it is proved beyond doubt that Ayurvedic treatment modalities can be effectively used in the management of Degenerative diseases of the Nervous system. Both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease can be managed without any adverse effects by using Ayurvedic drugs. In comparison with the present available therapy, the drugs used in this study are both effective and economical.