Herbal Treatment Could Improve Brain Function in Alzheimer’s Patients

According to an article from Fox News, the herb ginkgo biloba could possibly be used as a treatment for symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center conducted research on the herbal treatment and believes it can improve cognitive function, social behavior, and daily activity in Alzheimer’s patients.

The University of Maryland reported that the herb is commonly used in Europe to treat dementia patients, but there is no evidence that the herb prevents the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. During a study of 2,854 patients, the University of Maryland found that the patients who took the herb and those who took a placebo showed little difference in disease progression, death, and number of strokes. The herb does show indications that it could improve, but not fully restore, brain function in these patients by increasing blood flow to the brain and protecting damaged cells.

Fox News reported that there are currently four Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Alzheimer’s medications available: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, and memantine, which treat patients with mild to severe Alzheimer’s disease. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s; the article stated that patients are seeking out different forms of treatment, such as ginkgo biloba, that could possibly negate their symptoms. 

The authors of the study make it clear that although ginkgo biloba may improve cognitive function, it does not show any signs of preventing the progression or onset of Alzheimer’s. According to the article, researchers are continually looking for a cure and new forms of treatment that may improve the quality of life in Alzheimer’s sufferers. 

©iStockphoto.com/[dlerick]

Related Articles

“Magnet” Hospitals Report Superior Operational Excellence and Lower Mortality Rates
Financial institutions achieve operational efficiency through technology