Healthy living
Medicines and supplements
Gingko and Alzheimer's trial
Ginkgo offers no protection against Alzheimer’s disease, say scientists
Older people who hope to ward off Alzheimer's disease by taking the herbal supplement, Gingko biloba, are probably wasting their money, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). One in 10 people with dementia in the UK currently take the supplement, in the belief that it helps to improve memory and cognition.
Researchers at centres throughout the US, led by a team at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, studied the effects of Ginkgo biloba on 3,000 volunteers over the age of 75. The volunteers either had no signs of cognitive impairment, or just mild signs. They were all given a twice daily dose of the herb, or a placebo ‘dummy’ pill.
Over an eight-year period, the participants were assessed every six months for obvious signs of clinical dementia. The results showed taking the herb made no difference: both groups developed dementia at the same rate and mortality rates were also similar.
‘This study shows that Ginkgo biloba has no beneficial effects on memory or cognition for older people,’ said Dr Marie Janson of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust. ‘It has been a popular myth for sometime, that Ginkgo biloba may offer some kind of cure for Alzheimer’s. I understand that this is a disappointment for the many dementia patients who are looking for a solution. Much more research in other areas is needed if we are to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.’
About 700,000 people in the UK suffer from Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia. Dementia affects one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six over 80. At the moment there is no cure, although there are some drug treatments available that can improve symptoms and help slow the progression of the disease.
Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society said the results of the JAMA study were ‘very disappointing.’
'Previously it has been suggested that people who take Ginkgo biloba had a reduced risk of dementia but one reason for this may be that this group of people are more likely to take other health precautions to reduce their risk of dementia. This is why it is important to look at how effective these therapies are through rigorous scientific trials.
'The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to eat a healthy diet, take regular exercise, don't smoke and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked.’
A similarly sized trial looking at the effectiveness of Ginkgo biloba is currently underway in Europe.
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- Large waist size increases Alzheimer's risk
- Loneliness linked to Alzheimer's disease
- Carer's blog: Marianne Talbot's online diary about caring for her mother, who has Alzheimer's disease
- Chat about health at Saga Zone
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
