It has been suggested by many experts that supplementation with ginkgo biloba could improve cognition and memory in older adults. Although some clinical researches have called this theory into question, there are some indications that ginkgo biloba may reverse or at least delay cognitive decline caused by various diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. It is possible that ginkgo biloba could maintain memory retention and other important cognitive functions, especially in adults. Ginkgo biloba trees are considered as living fossils that could survive more than a millennium. Fossil-bearing rocks have also included plants quite identical to ginkgo biloba. Modern day ginkgo biloba trees are typically found China.
Thousands of adults have participated in placebo-controlled research trials that include the use of ginkgo biloba supplementation. There are randomly separated to a couple of groups. Participants are not notified whether they get 120mg of ginkgo biloba extract twice a day. Control group received identical-appearing placebo filled with sugar pills, twice each day. Older volunteers obtained multiple validated cognitive screening examinations. It should be possible to compare the progress of cognitive functions between these groups. Areas focused include language functions, visual spatial abilities, attention, memory retention and other brain functions. However, it appears that there were not measured and observed differences in cognitive functions decline between both groups.
It means that we need to consider whether there’s an indication on the clinically detectible benefits in any age-related cognitive decline. However, it is not known whether high-dose supplementation of ginkgo biloba could provide us with additional results. JAMA or the Journal of the American Medical Association is known to provide reliable research results on various alternative medicines. Although series of studies don’t indicate significant clinical benefits in improving and preserving cognitive functions in older adults with supplementation of ginkgo biloba, there could still be some potential clinical benefits of this ancient herbal remedy. However, Ginkgo biloba is known to improve blood flow in various small blood vessels.
This could indicate that not only ginkgo biloba could provide more oxygen for our brain cells, it could also lessen the risk of stroke due to formation of blood clot. Its properties could also be clinically useful to deal with numerous chronic inflammatory diseases, such as colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis and others. For now however, we still couldn’t find studies that proves overwhelming benefits of consuming ginkgo biloba extract regularly to improve or preserve memory for older adults. Alternatively, seniors could get better results by undergoing regular brain exercises that encourage them to think more. They may choose hobbies that encourage them to think more about specific problems. This will ensure improvements in higher cognitive functions.
Before consuming specific supplementation, it is advised for elderly to consult their physicians. This also applies for any significant change in our physical activity, diet and medication. Elderly could have more delicate health level and it is important for them to be particularly careful with their health. It’s better to use common sense before choosing an alternative treatment for our condition.