Alzheimer's

In Western medical discourse, Alzheimer's disease is classified as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by brain atrophy and neuronal cell death, leading to a decline in cognitive function, behavior, and functional independence (Querfurth & LaFerla, 2010, New England Journal of Medicine; FDA Guidelines).

Conversely, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) supports a multi-phase analysis for Alzheimer's, attributing it to factors such as kidney-spleen deficiency, blood stasis—often associated with disruptions in heart Qi—and phlegm stagnation, which is theorized to compromise lung function and weaken the spleen (Jia et al., 2017, Frontiers in Pharmacology; NIH Research). While Western medicine emphasizes the neurobiological aspects of the condition, TCM provides a holistic perspective that implicates imbalances in multiple organ systems and vital energies as contributory elements (WHO Recommendations; USDA Guidelines). The contrasting frameworks highlight the need for integrated, evidence-based research to enhance our comprehensive understanding of Alzheimer's disease (NIH Clinical Trials).