Results of a study of more than 3,000 seniors have revealed that the popular supplement Gingko biloba has no impact on the development of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
The multi-center Ginkgo biloba for the Evaluation of Memory (GEM) Study evaluated the effects of the dietary supplement Ginkgo biloba on the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. For the trial 3,069 seniors aged 75 and older, who had normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), were randomly assigned to receive twice-daily doses of either 120 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract or placebo. Participants were followed for an average of six years.
Results showed that 240 mg/day Gingko biloba had no effect on the onset of dementia or the development of Alzheimer’s disease. “It is very unlikely that Ginkgo biloba is effective at any dose over a five-year period and in anyone over 75 years old,” said study author Jeff Williamson in a news release. “It is also ineffective in people with signs of early memory loss. What is not known yet is whether the effect of Ginkgo biloba might require taking the drug for many, many years, say 15 years, before there is even a sign of memory loss.”
The researchers concluded: “In summary, in this randomized clinical trial in 3069 older adults with normal cognitive function or mild deficits, Ginkgo biloba showed no benefit for reducing all-cause dementia or dementia of the Alzheimer type. Based on the results of this trial, Ginkgo biloba cannot be recommended for the purpose of preventing dementia.”
Dekoksy ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al. Ginkgo biloba for Prevention of Dementia A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2008;300(19):2253-2262.
News release: Ginkgo Proves Ineffective in Preventing Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease. Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Cener. November 18th 2008.
http://www.worldhealth.net/news/gingko_has_no_effect_on_dementia_or_alzh
Marijuana compounds may benefit aging brain
Researchers at Ohio State University say that they have found evidence suggesting that compounds found in the recreational drug marijuana may benefit the aging brain by reducing inflammation and possibly stimulating the growth of new brain cells.
Professor Gary Wenk and colleagues have already proven that a drug containing synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive substance in marijuana, is able to improve memory in animals. They are now working to uncover the mechanism behind THC’s apparent memory boosting properties.
Their latest findings suggest that at least three receptors in the brain are activated by the THC-like drug. All three receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in a variety of physiological processes including memory, appetite, mood, and pain response. Research suggests that when the THC-like drug binds to these receptors it helps the brain to curb inflammation whilst also stimulating the production of new brain cells, or neurons.
However, tests have also shown that the drug is not effective once memory impairment is already evident, thus meaning that the drug can only be used to guard against future memory impairment.
“Could people smoke marijuana to prevent Alzheimer’s disease if the disease is in their family? We’re not saying that, but it might actually work. What we are saying is it appears that a safe, legal substance that mimics those important properties of marijuana can work on receptors in the brain to prevent memory impairments in aging. So that’s really hopeful,” Professor Wenk said in a news release.
News release: Scientists are high on idea that marijuana reduces memory impairment. Ohio State University. November 14th 2008.
http://www.worldhealth.net/news/marijuana_compounds_may_benefit_aging_br
You can't make this stuff up!
I hope you all don't believe everything that you read !!!
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