|
For years, people have used preparations containing the herb ginkgo biloba (or ginkgo for short) in an effort to improve memory and some have used it in hopes of preventing and improving symptoms of dementia. Earlier studies seemed  promising and it seemed as though the popular drug had become generally accepted, even by some in main stream medicine, as a possible over-the-counter remedy for dementia and declining memory. However, some are questioning whether earlier studies were properly performed to show such outcomes. They also point to new data that suggests the herb has no effect on dementia or mental capabilities such as memory.
The problem is that most of the studies performed in the past had few people enrolled in them or had not taken place over a sufficient amount of time to really determine if there was an improvement in mental function. A new study, possibly the most comprehensive study performed to date, involved more than 3000 people. It looked at people over the age of 72 and followed these people for an average of 6 years. Published in 2008, it concluded that ginkgo did not prevent Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The results of the study do not stop there. In fact the results of another piece of the study are just now being published. This part of the study aimed to show whether ginkgo had any effect on the mental abilities of older people enrolled in the study. The study looked at memory, the use of language, concentration and how people carried out simple tasks. Standardized tests were used to measure these abilities.
After compiling all of the data, the study concluded that ginkgo appeared to have no effect on these mental abilities like memory (at least in the elderly). The study appears to have been well-run and involved a sufficient number of people to detect these outcomes. The study was published in one of the most prestigious medical journals (Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
The Bottom Line
Although this is only one study, it is a well-run study and the results should be considered. It may be that taking ginkgo may not help prevent dementia or improve memory but most data shows there is probably no harm in taking it (except perhaps to your pocket book). As wonderful as it would be to be able to take a pill to prevent dementia or improve memory there is no conclusive data to date that shows such a pill exists. The only strategy that has been proven to help prevent dementia is regular exercise. This is probably due to the fact that dementia is thought to be caused in large part to plaques in the blood vessels of the brain which can starve the brain of oxygen. Exercise helps keep these blood vessels healthy and plaque-free
.
Once dementia sets in, even prescription drugs meant to treat dementia may be only marginally, if at all helpful, in slowing the progression of the disease according to some studies. Prevention is definitely the key when it comes to preventing dementia. Keeping the brain active through different mental exercises may also help but more studies need to be done to determine this. Given the growing number of seniors in the population, more data is sure to surface in the upcoming years on this subject.
Author: Christi Larson, Pharm. D.
Dr. Larson is a pharmacist, author of Empowered Medicine; A Guide for Consumers and creator of Empowered Medicine. You can read more about her by visiting www.EmpoweredMedicine.com and clicking on the 'About Us' tab. EmpoweredMedicine.com is committed to providing evidence-based medical information from a pharmacist's point of view.
|
