Chinese herbal ginkgo biloba remedy 'doesn't help' Alzheimer's victims

A popular herbal remedy taken by thousands of Alzheimer's and other dementia victims is a waste of time, according to a study published yesterday.

Ginkgo biloba was found to have no significant impact on mental function or quality of life, and did not prevent worsening dementia symptoms.

More than one in ten dementia sufferers take the Chinese remedy, which is made from extracts from the leaves of the ginkgo tree and is said to improve memory and concentration.

But the supplements do little or nothing for those suffering from the progressive memory loss caused by dementia, according to one of the longest and most rigorous studies conducted on ginkgo biloba.

A total of 176 adults with mild to moderate dementia took part in the six-month study funded by the Alzheimer's Society.

Half were given a daily 120 milligram dose of ginkgo biloba and the other half a placebo.

Mental function was measured using a standard test which showed ginkgo made no significant difference to those taking it.

Nor did it bring any significant improvement to the patients' quality of life, according to the findings reported online in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Dr Robert McCarney, of Imperial College London, said: ' Previous research suggested the alternative therapy has a small but significant effect, however our findings provide the most robust evidence yet that, sadly, ginkgo biloba is not an effective treatment for dementia.'

Professor Clive Ballard, of the Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It's very disappointing. However, this is an extremely important finding. Thousands of people with dementia, who are already struggling to make ends meet, may buy ginkgo biloba expecting an improvement in their memory.

'As a nation we spend over £350million a year on "natural remedies". It is important to look at how effective these therapies are through rigorous scientific trials.'

There are 700,000 dementia sufferers in Britain, more than half of whom have Alzheimer's.

Dr Daphne Wallis, who has dementia, said: 'People in the early stages of dementia understand better than anyone the implications treatment would have on quality of life. The lack of available treatments affects us directly.

'People with dementia will be looking at everything they can to help them and every avenue needs to be explored.

'Gingko biloba is marketed for people with dementia and therefore we deserve to know whether or not it's worthwhile.'