03.19.08
Indication: Memory
Source: Neurology, February 27, 2008;[Epub ahead of print]
Research: Researchers in this study set out to assess the feasibility, safety and efficacy of ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on delaying the progression to cognitive impairment in normal elderly people aged 85 and older. This pilot trial used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled model in which 118 cognitively intact subjects were studied for 42 months. Half of the study group took ginkgo three times a day, while the other half took a placebo.
Results: During the study, 21 subjects developed mild memory problems, or questionable dementia-14 of which were on placebo, and seven of which were taking ginkgo. In unadjusted analyses, GBE neither altered the risk of progression from normal to Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) = 0.5, nor protected against a decline in memory function. However, upon secondary analysis taking into account medication adherence, researchers were able to show a protective effect of GBE on the progression to CDR = 0.5 and memory decline. In other words, those subjects that reliably took their study pills in the ginkgo group had a 68% lower risk of developing mild memory problems compared to those taking placebo. Investigators believe the results of larger prevention trials taking into account medication adherence may clarify the effectiveness of GBE.