Dementia
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, the condition known as "dementia" falls under the category of geriatric diseases. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," dementia is characterized by abnormal mental state, decreased memory, slow response, slurred speech, and clumsy movement. The etiology is often attributed to insufficient kidney essence, turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices, and blood stasis blocking the meridians. In severe cases, it can lead to symptoms of being unable to manage daily life independently.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of dementia is primarily related to kidney essence deficiency, turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices, and blood stasis blocking the meridians. Common precipitating factors include aging, weakness, emotional disorders, and improper diet. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing the properties of cold and heat, as well as the deficiency and excess. For instance, kidney essence deficiency syndrome is characterized by decreased memory, dull expression, and dizziness; turbid phlegm obstructing the orifices is characterized by dull expression, muttering, and abdominal distension; while blood stasis blocking the meridians manifests as slow response, dark complexion, and dark purple tongue. The overall direction of treatment suggests that in the clinical management of dementia, attention should be given to reinforcing the kidney and replenishing essence, resolving phlegm to open the orifices, and activating blood to resolve stasis, in order to restore brain function and improve the quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that by adjusting the body constitution and harmonizing yin and yang, the goal of treating dementia can be achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Insufficient marrow sea syndrome
Main Manifestations: Ji yi yan shen yan hui, shen xing dai zhi, tou yu
Management Approach: Buxin Tianshen, Yisi Jiansuan
Phlegm-dampness obstructing the orifices
Main Manifestations: Facial apathy, muttering to oneself, epigastric distension
Management Approach: Huatan Kaigao, Panshen Huazhuo
Blood stasis blocking the collaterals syndrome
Main Manifestations: Sluggish response, ashy complexion, dark purple tongue
Management Approach: Activating blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, promoting the brain's function
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In clinical practice, patients with dementia often exhibit dull expressions, requiring careful observation and the integration of pulse changes to accurately differentiate the syndrome and prescribe accordingly.
— Li Mingjiu Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)