This is a rare condition which can cause gradually worsening problems with the memory, speech, movement and swallowing. The corticobasal degeneration is often called corticobasal syndrome. The corticobasal degeneration is caused by increasing numbers of brain cells becoming damaged or dying over time. The most cases of the corticobasal degeneration develop in adults who are aged between 50 and 70 [1]. It is known fact that the symptoms of corticobasal degeneration gradually worse over time. They can vary and many people can have just a few of them.
The symptoms of the corticobasal degeneration include: slow and slurred speech; problems with balance and co – ordination; shaking (tremors), jerky movements and spasms (dystonia); muscle stiffness; difficulty controlling your limb on one side of the body; symptoms of dementia, such as memory and visual problems; difficulty swallowing; slow and effortful speech. Usually, at first one limb is affected before it spreads to the rest of the body. It depends from a person the rate at which symptoms progress. There is no currently a cure for the corticobasal degeneration but there are some natural treatments which can help to reduce the symptoms of corticobasal degeneration.
The corticobasal degeneration can lead to some complications, such as walking difficulties; poor feeding; intellectual ability and aspiration pneumonia. The positive family history can be an important risk factor of corticobasal degeneration because this condition can be inherited. If you have a risk factor of getting this condition, this does not mean that you will surely get it. Both, males and females can be affected by the corticobasal degeneration. [1]
Also, there are no differences in racial and ethnic groups which are affected by this condition so no matter of the race and ethnic group you can be affected by corticobasal degeneration. If you suffer from corticobasal degeneration, then you should talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below mentioned home remedies so in this way you will avoid side effects.
Home remedies for corticobasal degeneration
Speech and language therapy: If you have swallowing problems caused by the corticobasal degeneration, then you can visit a speech and language therapist because he or she can help to asses and treat your speech problems. He or she can help you to teach techniques that can make your voice as clear as possible. Also, he or she can advise you about communication aids or devices which a person may needs as the corticobasal degeneration progresses. Also, the therapist can advise you about different swallowing techniques. He or she can work together with a dietitian which will suggest altering the consistency of your food which will make easier for you to swallow. [2]
Occupational therapy: The occupational therapist can give you advice about the best way to increase your safety and to prevent trips and falls during your daily activities. For example, the person who suffers from corticobasal degeneration can benefit from having a bars placed along the sides of their bath which will make easier for them to get in and out. Also, the occupational therapist can arrange access to mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs and walking frames. The occupation therapist can arrange equipment to help the person or their career to manage every day activities, such as eating, dressing, washing and using the bathroom safely. [3]
Sleep: It is known that the disrupted sleep can impact on memory and thinking but the mechanism why is this happening is not completely understood. There are some components of sleep hygiene which are involving: avoid napping during the day; get regular exercise; avoid stimulants, such as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine too close to bedtime; ensure adequate exposure to natural light; avoid eating right before sleep; associate your bed with sleep because it is not a good idea to use your bed to watch TV, to read or listen to the radio; establish a regular relaxing bedtime routine. It is very important to have good sleep hygiene because it can help your body and mind to relax and it can help to ease the symptoms of corticobasal degeneration. [4]
Healthy lifestyle: You should know that there are some lifestyle habits which can promote a good health and well – being. There are some studies in which are said that a combination of good nutrition, physical activity and mental and social engagement can provide benefits to people who suffer from corticobasal degeneration but there should be done a lot more studies to be done to understand the actual mechanisms. [3,4]
The heart – healthy diet, a diet which is low in sugar and fat and high in fruits and vegetables, is considered as a good for both body and brain so it can be used in the natural treatment of corticobasal degeneration. An example of heart – healthy diet is the Mediterranean diet which promotes nutrition based on fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains and this limits the consumption of red meat and saturated fats. Also, the physical exercise is associated with the improvement of mood and mobility and it decreases the risk for falls.
Those physical activities which are socially engaging, such as participating in exercise groups and walking or swimming with a friend can be especially enjoyable. Also, engaging in activities which are mentally stimulating, such as computer games, Sudoku and crossword puzzles, are encouraged as long as the activity is enjoyable. You should talk with your doctor which is the best exercise that you should and what kind of diet you should consume to treat your corticobasal degeneration.
Turmeric: This natural cure can be used in the natural treatment of corticobasal degeneration. This natural cure has antioxidant properties which can protect the neuronal cells and tissues from damage. [5]
Chamomile: This natural cure has potent anti – oxidant and anti – inflammatory properties which means that they can help in the fight against free radicals. This means that this natural cure can help to reduce the oxidative stress to a great extent.
Ginseng: The roots of ginseng have unique triterpenoid saponins called ginsenosides. It is known that one particular ginsenoside is linked to the growth and recovery of the brain cells. This is a reason why this natural cure is often recommended to people who suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. If you have decided to use ginseng as your home remedy for corticobasal degeneration, then talk with your doctor about the best dosage and if it is suitable for you. [6]
Exercise: Exercise is very important for people who want to prevent fall and to maintain the mobility. There are many studies in which are said that people who suffer from corticobasal degeneration have increased the number of their life with exercising. You should talk with your doctor what type of exercises will be safe for you. [3]
Physiotherapy: You can talk with a physiotherapist which can help you to remain safely mobile. Regular exercises can help to prevent stiffening of your joints, improve your posture and helps strengthening your muscles. Also, a physiotherapist can help you to teach breathing exercises to use when you are doing daily activities, such as when you eat so in this way you will have decreased chances of developing aspiration pneumonia (this is a chest infection which is caused by food particles falling into your lungs). [3]
Cognitive stimulation: The cognitive stimulation is a type of therapy which is used to treat dementia and it can help when a person who suffers from corticobasal degeneration has dementia symptoms. This type of therapy is involving taking part in activities and exercises which are designed to improve your language ability, memory and problem – solving skills. [7]
Diet and severe swallowing problems: If you have severe swallowing problems, then your doctor may refer you to a dietitian who will advise you to make changes in your diet, such as including foods and liquids which are easier to swallow while at the same time, he or she will ensure that you will have a healthy and balanced diet.
Also, if you have severe swallowing problems, then your dietitian can recommend you feeding tubes. It is known that with severe swallowing problems, then risk of dehydration, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition are increased. You should talk about pros and cons about feeding tubes with your family and care team. The decision about feeding tubes depends on the affected person and the specialist should approve him or her.
References:
[1] Parthimos TP, Schulpis KH. The significant characteristics of corticobasal syndrome. Annals of Research Hospitals. 2019;3.
[2] Blake ML, Duffy JR, Boeve BF, et al. Speech and language disorders associated with corticobasal degeneration. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology. 2003;11(3):131-46
[3] Steffen TM, Boeve BF, Petersen CM, et al. Long-term exercise training for an individual with mixed corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy features: 10-year case report follow-up. Physical Therapy. 2014;94(2):289-96.
[4] Roche S, Jacquesson JM, Destee A, et al. Sleep and vigilance in corticobasal degeneration: A descriptive studySommeil et vigilance dans la dégénérescence corticobasale : une étude descriptive. Neurophysiologie Clinique/Clinical Neurophysiology. 2007;37(4):261-4.
[5] Monroy A, Lithgow GJ, Alavez S. Curcumin and neurodegenerative diseases. Biofactors. 2013;39(1):122–32.
[6] Cho IH. Effects of Panax ginseng in neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Ginseng Research. 2012;36(4):342–53.
[7] de Oliveira LM, Barcellos I, Teive HAG, Munhoz RP. Cognitive dysfunction in corticobasal degeneration. Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria. 2017;75(8):570-9.
