Title : Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of ashwagandha for alzheimer’s disease/ dementia management and cost analysis: A pilot study
Abstract:
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia characterized by steady decline in cognitive functions due to neurodegeneration. It lacks a definitive cure. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) especially Ayurveda which relies on use of medicinal plants can provide novel insights for Alzheimer’s/ Dementia management. The present study examines the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Ayurvedic doctors to understand the utilization of Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng [Withania somnifera (L.) for Alzheimer’s/Dementia management. Additionally, cost-effective analysis of Ashwagandha formulation determined from the KAP survey has been done. An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of Ayurvedic Doctors on the use of Ashwagandha and its formulations in Alzheimer’s Disease/ Dementia treatment. Total 75 responses from feedback survey were statistically analysed. Cost ratio and Percent cost variation of different ayurvedic formulation with Ashwagandha used for Cognition/ memory and Alzheimer’s Dementia management was calculated. The present study provides a comprehensive understanding of Ayurvedic practitioners' perspectives on Ashwagandha's role in managing neurocognitive disorders, providing insights for future research and collaborative efforts in integrating traditional medicine with contemporary approaches to address Alzheimer's Dementia and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms.
