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The study participants, all age 85 and over, were given capsules of a standardized Ginkgo biloba product or placebo for 42 months and cognitive function was assessed for every six months. In the overall analysis, there was no improvement in progression to dementia and no difference in memory between the ginkgo and placebo groups. However, when adherence to the supplementation regimen was taken into account, the Ginkgo group was significantly better in the areas of progression to dementia and cognitive decline. The researchers took a unique approach to this study by analyzing results in participants who actually took the study substance on a regular basis. This study is very encouraging, as supplementation of the Ginkgo extract resulted in a positive cognitive response in very elderly patients.
Dodge HH, Zitzelberger T, Oken BS, et al. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba for the prevention of cognitive decline. Neurology 2008; Feb 27 [epub ahead of print]
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