Giving ginkgo to elders with memory loss

The study, published in Lancet Neurology, included 2,854 people over 70 who told their doctor they were having memory problems. About half of them were assigned to take 120 mg of ginkgo twice daily and the other half were assigned to take a placebo. They were monitored for changes in memory and cognitive function as well as new diagnoses of dementia and probable Alzheimer’s disease for five years.

Ginkgo showed no clear protective effect

Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease between people in the ginkgo and placebo groups.

However, results were more mixed when the researchers looked at the results across different subgroups within the participants. For example, ginkgo appeared to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in men and in alcohol consumers by more than half when these groups were considered separately. And when only people who used ginkgo or placebo for four years or more were considered, ginkgo appeared to have a protective effect.

The study authors note that, "Conclusions from this trial were restricted by the lower than expected incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Further studies about long-term exposure to standardised ginkgo biloba (sic) extract might be warranted."

Putting it in perspective

It is hard to pool data from multiple trials and reach a sound conclusion, and since other research has shown protective effects against Alzheimer's Disease before, this new study, with its primary finding, is hard to place within the body of evidence.

• Exercise. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline, keeping the mind strong. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity five or more days per week.
• Challenge your brain. Mental activities like puzzles and games, taking new classes, and traveling to new places all appear to prevent memory loss and general cognitive decline with age.
• Eat well. Studies have found that eating a Mediterranean-style diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish is good for protecting the aging brain. Omega-3 fats from fish in particular have demonstrated protective effects in some studies.
• Maintain your friendships. Staying socially active might protect against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Consider becoming a regular at your local community or senior center, volunteering, joining a social group, or getting to know your neighbors better. Visit with someone every day.

(Lancet Neurology 2012; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(12)70206-5)