A major review of clinical trials provided "promising evidence" that dietary supplements containing the herbal medicine Ginkgo biloba can improve memory and function in people with dementia.

The extract from the leaves of the Chinese ginkgo tree is widely advertised for a variety of conditions including memory loss, but scientific evidence on its effects has often been conflicting.

Researchers at the Cochrane Collaboration in Oxford reviewed 33 clinical trials and concluded that the remedy appeared to be safe with no excessive side effects.

Many of the early trials used unsatisfactory methods, were small, and did not exclude publication bias.

Ginkgo contains a number of organic biologically active components. It is the ginkgolides that are unique to the Ginkgo tree although it is not fully known which component or components are the ones that give the leaves their medicinal properties.

The medicinal effects of Ginkgo are believed to be gained by causing blood vessels to dilate, thereby improving blood flow to the brain, and through thinning the blood, making it less likely to clot.

In addition, Ginkgo probably has some antioxidant effects such as protecting nerve cells against biological 'rusting.' All of these effects would suggest that Ginkgo might slow down a degenerative process.

The Guardian October 15, 2002

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

In 1997, the first year of my newsletter, I posted a study from JAMA that showed clear evidence that Ginkgo is helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

However, there are many other approaches one can use to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease.

As I said earlier this year, Alzheimer's is a terrible and devastating disease. Anytime someone loses brain function, we are talking about a very serious problem. This is one of the reasons why autism, which also affects brain function, is similarly problematic.

Alzheimer's is expected to triple over the next generation so this will undoubtedly be a huge problem -- one that is far easier to prevent than to treat.

It is interesting that the study mentioned above was funded by a drug company, reportedly to bring greater awareness to the problem, but in the end enabling them to offer their drug-based solution.

This newsletter has dealt with, for some time, the concept that it does very little good to address chronic health problems with drug or surgical solutions.

Fortunately, with Alzheimer's we do have some options.

Exercise is a very potent way to ward off Alzheimer's. Previous research has shown that the odds of developing Alzheimer's were nearly quadrupled in people, aged 20 to 60 years, who were less active during their leisure time compared with their peers. That is one of the reasons why I have been exercising for the last 34 years and, God willing, hope to continue for another 50.

Getting the mercury amalgams out of your teeth is another effective strategy to prevent Alzheimer’s. Avoiding aluminum is another classic recommendation.

Following the eating plan and eating plenty of fresh vegetables with high folate levels is also an effective prevention option.

The key to the treatment of Alzheimer's is to make sure you never get it. So just how do you prevent Alzheimer's? Here are the ways mentioned above:

• Avoid and remove mercury
• Avoid aluminum, such as in antiperspirants, cookware, etc.
• Exercise for 3-5 hours per week
• Eat 15-20 pounds of vegetables per week
• Avoid flu vaccinations

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Keep Active to Avoid Alzheimer's