Ginkgo delays progression to dementia
But only if you remember to take it.
That’s the conclusion from researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.
First, the details.
- 118 cognitively sound individuals were randomly assigned to standardized ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) or placebo.
- Treatment lasted for 42 months.
- The researchers and patients did not know which treatment was given (double-blinded).
And, the results.
- The results from all patients who started the study showed no reduction in the risk of progression of cognitive (reasoning) impairment.
- However, those who took all their doses of GBE had a significantly lower risk of progression and a smaller decline in memory scores.
- There were significantly more ischemic strokes associated with GBE treatment.
The bottom line?
“Previous clincial trials in Germany and France reported that ginkgo biloba produced long-term improvements in cognitive function in older adults with dementia,” according to an article in Food Quality News. “But, a study from Stanford University reported no benefits with ginkgo in healthy, non-demented older adults.”
Perhaps the secret to success is to select a reputable brand and take it.
The authors recommended that the greater incidence of “stroke and TIA [transient ischemic attack] cases observed among the GBE group requires further study to confirm.”
2/28/08 18:04 JR
