Dementia is a frustrating problem with almost 370,000 people in the United States affected by this disease. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease which can have devastating effects on the victim's personality and ability to interact in society. Conventional medical treatment of Alzheimer's dementia has been frustrating with few medications giving long term improvement in symptoms. Recently, attention has turned to the possible use of ginkgo for dementia symptoms. Can ginkgo have a positive effect on symptoms of dementia?
What is ginkgo? Ginkgo, also known as Ginkgo biloba, is an Asian tree giving rise to leaves which can be made into extracts and a variety of teas. Derivatives of the Ginkgo leaf have been used for many thousands of years in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions. Ginkgo extract has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain as well as to other parts of the body which make it of interest in the treatment of brain related disorders as well as circulatory problems. It's also been tested as a possible treatment for male impotence and tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
A variety of studies have been carried out to investigate the use of ginkgo for dementia with mixed results. The inconsistent results aren't surprising considering the variety of dosages used in the various studies which could have significantly affected the results. When an analysis of a variety of studies known as a meta-analysis was carried out, supplementation with ginkgo seemed to show a small but significant benefit for the symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia including an increase in cognitive function. Side effects with use of ginkgo in these studies were mild and included loose stools, nausea, and headache. Because ginkgo can increase the risk of bleeding, it should be avoided in those taking blood thinners and should also be discontinued before surgery.
Analysis
Should you consider use of ginkgo for dementia? Ginkgo may have some positive impact on cognitive function in people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease which makes it worth a trial in an otherwise healthy individual not on blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin. Ginkgo also has the potential to interact with other herbal preparations and shouldn't be used in conjunction with any other herbal medicines. It should always be used under the supervision of a doctor. The suggested dosage from the studies is 120 mg. to 140 mg. of the extract daily for three to six months. If no improvement is seen at the point, it's unlikely that continuing the supplement will have any positive benefits.
