Could gingko help slow the early signs of dementia seen in Alzheimer's patients? Researchers at Imperial College London say they're launching a study to find out.

The study, which will include 250 people over age 55, will examine whether primary care physicians can help patients with memory loss, one of the early symptoms of dementia, by prescribing them gingko.

This is the first study to test gingko as a treatment for individuals with early dementia still living in the community and under the care of their primary care physician. Previous studies have focused on hospitalized patients with more advanced dementia.

"We believe gingko may prove more effective if prescribed in a community setting, where patients' symptoms are usually less severe," lead researcher Dr. James Warner, a psychiatrist, said in a prepared statement. "This trial will help us to find out whether with gingko it's a case of 'the sooner, the better' for patients who may benefit from taking it."

Gingko, an extract derived from the gingko tree, is a complementary medicine traditionally used to treat circulatory problems. It's believed that gingko causes blood vessels to dilate and also thins the blood. It may also have antioxidant effects.

More information

The Alzheimer's Association has more about gingko (www.alz.org ) and other alternative therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

　　From Healthscout.com