Unlocking the potential of Shilajit in Vascular Dementia behind pathology and management - A concise review

Abstract

Vascular dementia (VaD), the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, is distinguished by cognitive decline caused by cerebrovascular problems such as cerebral infarctions and white matter abnormalities, by various factors including sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol, various gene mutations such as APP, PSEN, BACE, CADASIL, CARASIL APOE. Risk factors cause the generation of oxidative stress and ROS production leads to apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and neuroinflammation are important variables that cause neuronal loss and cognitive decline. Various inflammatory markers, including TNF, IL, NF-κβ, NLR, and MAPK, cause neurodegeneration and vascular damage, leading to Vascular dementia. Vascular homeostasis depends on nitric oxide, and a lack of it is associated with advancing vascular disease. There are existing therapy alternatives, and a new study suggests that targeting the nitric oxide-cAMP pathway may open new treatment possibilities. Shilajit, a traditional herbomineral Ayurvedic ingredient, has several health benefits, including anemia, digestive difficulties, and neurological illnesses. It has a high mineral content, humic substances, fatty acid content, and bioactive substances that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-enhancing properties. Fulvic acid adds to Shilajit’s anti-aging and neuroprotective qualities, also lowers inflammation, and enhances cardiovascular health. It may be used as a dietary supplement to prevent vascular dementia.