Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. The most common type of dementia, Alzheimer's occurs when the level of brain chemicals responsible for carrying messages that control cognition start to decline, causing symptoms including memory and language loss, problems in learning how to do new tasks and personality changes. There is no cure, but drug treatment can help to slow progression of the disease. Ginkgo is an herb that might help to improve dementia and is sometimes used as an alternative treatment for Alzheimer's, but do not use it in place of treatments prescribed by your doctor. Get medical advice before including it in your treatment program.
Properties and Dosage
The seeds and leaves of the ancient ginkgo biloba tree are used to make herbal preparations to treat a number of conditions, including asthma, stress, cardiovascular disease and bronchitis. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that ginkgo also might improve cognitive performance. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 40 to 50 mg of a standardized extract of ginkgo three times daily to treat Alzheimer's; however, this is only a guideline. Ask your doctor what an appropriate dose is for you.
Efficacy
An analysis of clinical data by S. Kasper and H. Schubert published in the September 2009 issue of "Fortschritte der Neurologie Psychiatrie" concludes that ginkgo biloba has its place in the treatment of dementia-type disorders. The authors add that ginkgo might have similar efficacy to donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's. The results of a randomized controlled trial by R. Ihl et al, published in the December 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry" also show that ginkgo extract was significantly superior to placebo in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects
MedlinePlus notes that ginkgo is likely safe for most adults but adds that it might cause minor side effects including stomach upset, dizziness, constipation and allergic skin reactions. It also might reduce your blood's ability to clot properly. Although the seeds sometimes are used to make herbal preparations, do not eat them raw. They contain a chemical that causes serious adverse effects, including breathing problems and seizures. MedlinePlus adds that even cooked ginkgo seeds might not be safe.
Contraindications
Ginkgo use is contraindicated in a number of conditions. Do not use it if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant. Also avoid it if you have diabetes. Ginkgo interacts with several drugs, including anticoagulants, anticonvulsants and some diabetes medicines. Get advice from your doctor before taking a ginkgo supplement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alzheimer's Disease
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Ginkgo
- "Fortschritte der Neurologie Psychiatrie;" Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 in the Treatment of Dementia: Evidence of Efficacy and Tolerability; S. Kasper and H. Schubert; September 2009
- "International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry" Efficacy and Safety of a Once-Daily Formulation of Ginkgo Biloba Extract EGb 761 in Dementia with Neuropsychiatric Features: A Randomized Controlled Trial; R. Ihl et al; December 2010
- MedlinePlus: Ginkgo
