Ginkgo – Is it of Value for Memory Enhancement?
The lead article in this month’s issue of the *Journal of the American Medical
Association* (vol. 302, #24) is “Ginkgo biloba for Preventing Cognitive
Decline in Older Adults: A Randomized Trial.”
The primary outcome analysis from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory (GEM)
study, the largest completed double-blind, placebo-controlled dementia prevention trial to date,1 found that G biloba, 120 mg twice daily, was not effective in reducing the incidence of Alzheimer dementia or dementia overall.
The authors noted however, that it is possible that G biloba may have had more subtle, therapeutic effects on the rate of cognitive change. Specifically, G biloba may have prevented or delayed age-related changes in individuals with normal cognition, or G biloba may have slowed the rate of decline in those characterized as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
These last comments are in line with another study reported in the October 1997 issue of the same Journal, which was also a double blind, placebo controlled study wherein they found that an extract of Ginkgo Biloba was in fact effective in helping to alleviate cognitive problems in the early stages of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Although there was little to no improvement in the control group, who did not take Gingko, at least 40% of those in the Ginkgo group experienced a significant improvement in their thinking and functioning abilities, including memory, and AD (Alzheimer’s Disease) progress was at least retarded in another 20%. Moreover, no significant negative side effects were found from this treatment.
The primary way in which Ginkgo appears to help memory is by facilitating circulation or blood flow to the brain. So if memory problems are due to poor circulation Ginkgo may help prevent some further degeneration, at least in the extract form, but in pill form it may not do much to improve memory in those with normal circulation. (CAUTION: Because Ginkgo may have a tendency to thin the blood, if you are already on any type of blood thinner, or anticoagulant you should consult your doctor before taking Ginkgo.) For another decent review of the Ginkgo go to: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ginkgo-biloba/NS_patient-ginkgo
Prevention Strategies - FREE SPECIAL REPORT AND UPDATES
For free monthly updates on the latest practical research related to brain health and memory improvement, and a free 23 page report on How to Prevent or Arrest Alzheimer's, Click here. Recent Comments
Archives
- July 2019
- November 2018
- September 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- April 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- March 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- June 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012