Kirtan Kryia Meditation to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Meditation is one of the approaches, gradually getting wide recognition as a common way to improve mental and physical health and general wellbeing. But is it effective in helping to prevent and combat disastrous effects of Alzheimer’s disease to the human brain? Could meditation substantially increase brain activity and improve memory and cognition in people who already have Alzheimer’s disease? People who practice mediation will ultimately affirm its healing effects. But is there are any scientific researches, which can confirm the statement as way?

In this post, we will review the result of several investigations on how Kirtan Kriya type of meditation can play a positive role in preventing, delaying, or even reversing Alzheimer’s disease.

What is meditation?

The word meditation is derived from two Latin words: meditari (to think, to dwell upon, to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation 'medha' means wisdom.

Meditation is defined as an activity where one will "engage in contemplation or reflection; or to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one’s breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness (Merriam-Webster, 2009)." This definition is technical; a more personal definition of meditation is to let the mind empty and rest, with a following centering exercise.

Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. Meditation means 'a cessation of the thought process’. It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns. The observer (one who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one.

Once, a Tibetan Lama was being monitored on a brain scan machine by a scientist wishing to test physiological functions during deep meditation. The scientist said - "Very good Sir. The machine shows that you are able to go very deep in brain relaxation, and that validates your meditation". "No", said the Lama, "This (pointing to his brain) validates the machine!”

What is Kirtan Kriya meditation?

Kirtan Kriya (pron. Keertun Kreea) is a type of meditation from the Kundalini yoga tradition, which has been practiced for thousands of years. This meditation is sometimes called a singing exercise, as it involves singing the sounds, Saa Taa Naa Maa along with repetitive finger movements, or mudras. This non-religious practice can be adapted to several lengths, but practicing it for just 12 minutes a day has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase activity in areas of the brain that are central to memory.

In Sanskrit, a kirtan is a song, and kriya refers to a specific set of movements. In the Eastern tradition, kriyas are used to help bring the body, mind and emotions into balance to enable healing.

The mantra that is repeated while practicing Kirtan Kriya is designed to be uplifting.

• Saa means birth or infinity
• Taa means life
• Naa means death or completion
• Maa means rebirth

From an Eastern perspective, it is believed that the placement of the tongue on the roof of the mouth while making these sounds stimulates 84 acupuncture points on the upper palate. This causes a beneficial bio-chemical transformation in the brain. In addition, Western research has revealed that utilizing the fingertip position in conjunction with the sounds enhances blood flow to particular areas in the motor-sensory part of the brain.

Research findings: Kirtan Kriya meditation and Alzheimer’s

The recent decade of research has demonstrated the substantial positive impact of Kirtan Kriya meditation on the brain. Following are highlights from some of our recent and ongoing research:

• The foundation conducted the first-ever study on the impact of meditation on people with memory loss, which was published in 2010 in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The study found that Kirtan Kriya, performed 12 minutes a day for eight weeks, increased brain activity in areas central to memory and improved cognition and wellbeing in patients with memory loss.
  
  
• Another study, which was published in 2009 in the journal Nuclear Medicine Communications, examined 11 healthy individuals in both a resting and meditative state. The study found that Kirtan Kriya causes significant increases in brain activity especially in the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCG) compared to baseline. Both of these areas of the brain are central to memory. The PCG is a critically important anatomical area, because it is the first part of the brain to decrease in function when a person develops Alzheimer's disease. Perhaps it's possible, therefore, that if everyone did Kirtan Kriya and activated their PCG on a regular basis, the number of people who develop Alzheimer's would diminish.
  
  
• In the December 2010 issue of Consciousness and Cognition, a study was published comparing cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 12 advanced meditators with that of 14 non-meditators. The study findings support the notion that long-term meditation is associated with higher activity in the frontal areas of the brain, which help mediate attention, emotions and memory.
  
  
  
• In the January 2011 issue of Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, another ground-breaking study was published. It revealed that different meditation practices actually changed brain blood flow in different brain areas. It was also the first study to show that there are blood flow changes correlated with the personal experience of the practitioner. This study highlighted that this practice can be used as meditation as medicine. This means that the study showed that different techniques may be prescribed for separate health conditions, from trauma to depression, to anxiety or depression.

• In a groundbreaking study completed in January 2011, in collaboration with UCLA, we investigated the effects of meditation in caregivers of people with dementia. Results indicate that, compared to study participants who listened to relaxation tapes daily for eight weeks, those who practiced Kirtan Kriya improved significantly in measures of perceived support, physical suffering, energy, emotional well-being, cognitive tests of memory and executive function. Beyond that, this study revealed that Kirtan Kriya increased telomerase, an exquisite bio marker of health and longevity. In this study, we showed that mood, spirituality, and well-being; all markers of improved memory health and longevity, can be increased by Kirtan Kriya in only 12 minutes a day for 12 weeks.

How to practice Kirtan Kriya?

A good thing that the exercise is short, simple, and you can do at convenience of your home. Definitely, you may want to contact specialists first, if you never practiced any kind of meditation before, to get understanding and feeling for the basic concepts and techniques. But then you can do it yourself, which offers you the great flexibility and convenience.

1. Sit in an upright position on the floor or in a straight backed chair. Rest your hands on your knees with palms facing upwards.
2. Learn to chant. Put your index finger at the top of your head...the part called the crown. Now put another finger between your two eyes...the point that is sometimes called the Third Eye. Remember those two spots. Now imagine the Sound SA coming in at the crown of your head and then traveling down until it is opposite your 'third eye' and it makes a 90 degree turn and comes out the third eye point. It is sort of like a large L - It comes in at the crown and then makes a right angle out at the point between your eyes. As you chant each sound Sa, Ta, Na, Ma - see each of them coming in at the crown, travel down till opposite your 'third eye' make a 90 degree angle turn and exit at the point between your eyes. This step is important for beginners, but you will see that after a while, your body will perform the required actions with no mental efforts automatically.

3. Repeat the Saa Taa Naa Maa sounds (or mantra) while sitting with your spine straight. Your focus of concentration is the L form (as explained above), while your eyes are closed. With each syllable, imagine the sound flowing in through the top of your head and out the middle of your forehead (your third eye point).
4. For two minutes, sing in your normal voice.
5. For the next two minutes, sing in a whisper.
6. For the next four minutes, say the sound silently to yourself.
7. Then reverse the order, whispering for two minutes, and then out loud for two minutes, for a total of twelve minutes.
8. To come out of the exercise, inhale very deeply, stretch your hands above your head, and then bring them down slowly in a sweeping motion as you exhale.

The mudras, or finger positions, are very important in this kriya (see illustration below).

• On Saa, touch the index fingers of each hand to your thumbs.
• On Taa, touch your middle fingers to your thumbs.
• On Naa, touch your ring fingers to your thumbs.
• On Maa, touch your little fingers to your thumbs.

The Jupiter finger brings in knowledge, expands our field of possibilities and releases us from limitations. The Saturn finger gives us patience, wisdom and purity. The Sun finger gives us vitality and aliveness. The Mercury finger aids clear communication. Each time you close a mudra by joining the thumb with a finger, your ego "seals" its effect in your consciousness.

Visualize or feel each individual sound come in the crown chakra at the top of the head, down through the middle of the head and out to infinity through the third eye. This is very important and must be done with each sound. It is an essential part of the cleansing process. If this part of the meditation is not done, you may experience a headache.

While doing the meditation, you may experience pictures of the past come up like on a movie screen in your mind. Let them dance in front of your eyes and release them with the mantra. This is part of the cleansing of the subconscious mind. If emotions come up, you can also incorporate them in the chanting, i.e. if you feel anger then chant out the anger. Whatever you experience is OK. Do not try to avoid or control your experiences. Simply be with what is going on and go through it. It is all part of the cleansing process.

Video Presentation

To help you understand the technique, please review a brief video presentation:

Sources and Additional Information:

http://lindsey-mason.suite101.com/what-is-meditation-a138668

http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/meditation.html

http://www.alzheimersprevention.org/

http://www.anti-aging-articles.com/Kirtan-Kryia-Meditation.html

http://www.kundaliniyoga.org/kyt15.html

Phosphatidylserine Natural Supplement as Remedy for Alzheimer’s Disease

What Is Phosphatidylserine?

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is one of the naturally-occurring molecules present all through the body. Although the human body can produce this substance at its own, the majority of this nutrient can be attained through the diet. However, because the diet which we follow today is unhealthy and lacks the essential nutrients, Phosphatidylserine is used in certain dietary supplements, and sometimes claimed to be useful for the below-mentioned uses:

• Depression
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Age-related dementia or cognitive decline

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an essential component in all our cells; specifically, it is a major component of the cell membrane. The cell membrane is a kind of "skin" that surrounds living cells. Besides keeping cells intact, this membrane performs vital functions such as moving nutrients into cells and pumping waste products out of them. PS plays an important role in many of these functions.

It is not yet known how exactly Phosphatidylserine supplementation does work to treat Alzheimer’s disease or for some other uses, although it is generally believed that its levels may reduce due to the growing age and with certain other medical complications like Alzheimer’s. So to maintain those levels it is prescribed as a supplement with treatment.

It is widely used for this purpose in Italy, Scandinavia, and other parts of Europe. PS has also been marketed as a "brain booster" for people of all ages, said to sharpen memory and increase thinking ability.

Effect of Phosphatidylserine on Alzheimer's Disease

Phosphatidylserine (PS), in studies of severe mental decline, appears to have been equally effective whether the cause was Alzheimer's disease or something entirely unrelated, such as multiple small strokes. This certainly suggests that PS may have a positive impact on the brain that is not specific to any one condition. From this observation, it is not a great leap to suspect that it might be useful for much less severe problems with memory and mental function, such as those that seem to occur in nearly all of us who are older than 40. Indeed, one double-blind study did find that animal-source phosphatidylserine could improve mental function in individuals with relatively mild age-related memory loss.

Overall, the evidence for animal-source PS in dementia is fairly strong. Double-blind studies involving a total of more than 1,000 people suggest that phosphatidylserine is an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The largest of these studies followed 494 elderly subjects in northeastern Italy over a course of 6 months. All suffered from moderate to severe mental decline, as measured by standard tests. Treatment consisted of either 300 mg daily of PS or placebo. The group that took PS did significantly better in both behavior and mental function than the placebo group. Symptoms of depression also improved. These results agree with those of numerous other smaller double-blind studies involving a total of more than 500 people with Alzheimer's and other types of age-related dementia.

And, finally, the promising study results were published in the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition." Elderly study participants, all with mild cognitive impairment, took 100 or 300 mg of phosphatidylserine per day for six months. Memory scores increased in all groups, and those with the lowest starting scores improved the most. Improvements occurred mostly in delayed verbal recall, an aspect of memory associated with early stages of dementia. There were no adverse effects, and the researchers concluded that phosphatidylserine is a safe and helpful supplement for improving memory for some people.

This line of investigation substantially slowed down in the 1990s over concerns about mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), a fatal brain disorder believed to be caused by consuming foods or other products from affected cattle. Supplements containing phosphatidylserine are now derived from soy extracts. Early studies, though promising, were based on cow-derived supplements. There are reasons to expect that plant-source PS should function very similarly to PS made from cows' brains, and some animal studies suggest that it is indeed effective. However, in preliminary trials, soy-based PS and cabbage-based PS failed to prove beneficial and did not show the same level of effectiveness.

  

Are There Side Effects?

Phosphatidylserine is generally regarded as safe when used at recommended dosages. Side effects are rare, and when they do occur they usually consist of nothing much worse than mild gastrointestinal distress. However, the maximum safe dosages for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.

The known potential side effects are:

• Upset stomach
• Gas
• Insomnia.

  

Drug Interactions

Even though Phosphatidylserine is one of the natural supplements, it may potentially interact with some of the medications and other natural supplements. For example, PS is sometimes is taken with ginkgo because they both appear to enhance mental function. However, some caution might be in order: Ginkgo is a "blood thinner," and PS might be one as well. PS is known to enhance the effect of heparin, a very strong prescription blood thinner. It is possible that combined use of PS and any drug or supplement that thins the blood could interfere with normal blood clotting enough to cause problems.

Some medicines which may result in Phosphatidylserine drug interactions are:

• Anticholinergic medicines, including, but not limited to:
• o Atropine
• o Belladonna (B&O Supprettes, Donnatal, Bellamine S)
• o Clidinium (Librax)
• o Benztropine (Cogentin)
• o Darifenacin (Enablex)
• o Clozapine (Clozaril)
• o Dicyclomine (Bentyl)
• o Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol PM)
• o Haloperidol (Haldol)
• o Glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
• o Hyoscyamine (Levsin)
• o Homatropine (Hycodan)
• o Tolterodine (Detrol)
• o Ipratropium (Atrovent)
• o Tiotropium (Spiriva)
• o Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
• Drugs which have cholinergic effects (including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), like
• o Donepezil (Aricept)
• o Ambenonium (Mytelase)
• o Galantamine (Razadyne)
• o Edrophonium (Enlon, Reversol)
• o Bethanechol (Urecholine)
• o Methacholine (Provocholine)
• o Guanidine
• o Succinylcholine (Anectine, Quelicin)
• o Rivastigmine (Exelon)

This is not a complete list and some other drugs may also interact with Phosphatidylserine. Thus, inform your doctor about all sorts of prescribed or non-prescribed medicines and health supplements you take.

Is Phosphatidylserine Safe?

Some people may be more likely than others to experience problems due to phosphatidylserine. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking the supplements if you have:

• Any serious or chronic health condition
• Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Any allergies, including allergies to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
• Breastfeeding

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://alzheimers.emedtv.com/phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylserine.html

http://drugmega.com/drugs-65842453/phosphatidylserine-drug-review-phosphatidylserine-side-effects-and-dosage.html

http://www.foundhealth.com/alzheimer-s-disease/alzheimers-disease-and-phosphatidylserine

http://www.livestrong.com/article/409676-supplements-for-alzheimers-prevention/

http://www.mbmc.org/healthgate/GetHGContent.aspx?token=9c315661-83b7-472d-a7ab-bc8582171f86&chunkiid=21843

How Green Tea May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease?

Green Tea Benefits

Since ancient times, green tea has been a staple of daily life in Asia, and known as a healing beverage. Green tea is made from unfermented leaves and reportedly contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals -- damaging compounds in the body that alter cells, tamper with DNA (genetic material), and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet rays from the sun, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) also give rise to these damaging particles. Many scientists believe that free radicals contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems, including cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants such as polyphenols in green tea can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Green tea has been consumed throughout the ages in India, China, Japan, and Thailand. In traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, practitioners used green tea as a stimulant, diuretic (to promote the excretion of urine), astringent (to control bleeding and help heal wounds), and to improve heart health. Other traditional uses of green tea include treating flatulence (gas), regulating body temperature and blood sugar, promoting digestion, and improving mental processes.

Green Tea and Alzheimer’s

 There is also growing evidence, backed by research studies around the world, that one of these protective compounds is effective in preventing the buildup of plaque in the brain, linked to Alzheimer's disease. This buildup of plaque, called beta-amyloid plaque, is widely believed by medical researchers to cause the nerve damage and memory loss of Alzheimer's disease.

Most of the flavonoids found in tea are "catechins", a basic form of flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants, and the catechins found in green tea contain among the highest flavonoid content of all plants. The primary catechin is called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, usually abbreviated to EGCG. EGCG is over 100 times as effective in neutralizing harmful free radicals as vitamin C.

Because oxidative damage and inflammation are significant contributors to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of tea can be a valuable tool in Alzheimer's prevention. According to one expert, Dr. Bradford L. Frank, a medical school professor, "There is now a large body of scientific evidence demonstrating that certain natural compounds, such as catechins, improve age-related cognitive decline, and are neuroprotective for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases. This scientific evidence supports the beneficial effects of green tea on cognitive function and it's uses as a natural neuroprotective substance."

EGCG seems to change potentially harmful proteins into proteins that are not detrimental to brain cells, actually converting a toxic structure into a less toxic structure. Because EGCG binds to unfolded proteins -- which are not associated with Alzheimer's -- the green tea can be considered as medication that recognizes the more troublesome proteins and converts them to harmless substances.

Dosage

Depending on the brand, 2 - 3 cups of green tea per day (for a total of 240 - 320 mg polyphenols) or 100 - 750 mg per day of standardized green tea extract is recommended. Caffeine-free products are available and recommended.

Precautions

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, people should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

People with heart problems, kidney disorders, stomach ulcers, and psychological disorders (particularly anxiety) should not take green tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid green tea.

People who drink excessive amounts of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) for prolonged periods of time may experience irritability, insomnia, heart palpitations, and dizziness. Caffeine overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite. If you are drinking a lot of tea and start to vomit or have abdominal spasms, you may have caffeine poisoning. If your symptoms are severe, lower your caffeine intake and see your health care provider.

Possible Interactions

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, you should not drink green tea or take green tea extract without first talking to your health care provider:

Adenosine -- Green tea may inhibit the actions of adenosine, a medication given in the hospital for an irregular (and usually unstable) heart rhythm.

Antibiotics, Beta-lactam -- Green tea may increase the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics by reducing bacterial resistance to treatment.

Benzodiazepines -- Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) has been shown to reduce the sedative effects of benzodiazepines (medications commonly used to treat anxiety, such as diazepam and lorazepam).

Beta-blockers, Propranolol, and Metoprolol -- Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) may increase blood pressure in people taking propranolol and metoprolol (medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).

Blood Thinning Medications (Including Aspirin) -- People who take warfarin, a blood thinning medication, should not drink green tea. Since green tea contains vitamin K, it can make warfarin ineffective. Meanwhile, you should not mix green tea and aspirin because they both prevent platelets from clotting. Using the two together may increase your risk of bleeding.

Chemotherapy -- The combination of green tea and chemotherapy medications, specifically doxorubicin and tamoxifen, increased the effectiveness of these medications in laboratory tests. However, these results have not yet been demonstrated in studies on people. On the other hand, there have been reports of both green and black tea extracts stimulating a gene in prostate cancer cells that may cause them to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, people should not drink black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) while receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer in particular.

Clozapine -- The antipsychotic effects of the medication clozapine may be reduced if taken fewer than 40 minutes after drinking green tea.

Ephedrine -- When taken together with ephedrine, green tea may cause agitation, tremors, insomnia, and weight loss.

Lithium -- Green tea has been shown to reduce blood levels of lithium (a medication used to treat manic/depression).

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) -- Green tea may cause a severe increase in blood pressure (called a "hypertensive crisis") when taken together with MAOIs, which are used to treat depression. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine and tranylcypromine.

Oral Contraceptives -- Oral contraceptives can prolong the amount of time caffeine stays in the body and may increase its stimulating effects.

Phenylpropanolamine -- A combination of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) and phenylpropanolamine (an ingredient used in many over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications and weight loss products) can cause mania and a severe increase in blood pressure. The FDA issued a public health advisory in November 2000 to warn people of the risk of bleeding in the brain from use of this medication and has strongly urged all manufacturers of this drug to remove it from the market.

Useful Tips

• Allow tea to steep for three to five minutes to bring out its catechins.
• The best way to get the catechins and other flavonoids in tea is to drink it freshly brewed. Decaffeinated, bottled ready-to-drink tea preparations, and instant teas have less of these compounds.
• Tea can impede the absorption of iron from fruits and vegetables. Adding lemon or milk or drinking tea between meals will counteract this problem.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://nutrition.about.com/b/2005/09/20/green-tea-may-prevent-alzheimers-disease.htm

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Green-Tea-May-Help-Prevent-Alzheimers&id=5787876

http://www.drugs.com/news/green-tea-antioxidant-may-help-prevent-alzheimer-s-12395.html

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/benefit_of_drinking_green_tea

Chinese Club Moss (Huperzine A) and Alzheimer's Disease

Huperzine A (pronounced HOOP-ur-zeen) is a moss extract that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has properties similar to those of cholinesterase inhibitors, one class of FDA-approved Alzheimer medications. As a result, it is promoted as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

What is Huperzine?

Huperzine, an anticholinesterase alkaloid, is divided into two chemical species, huperzine A and huperzine B, which have similar effects but differing activity levels (huperzine A being about 10 times as strong as huperzine B). Huperzine A was first isolated from the Chinese herb Lycopodium serratum in 1980 at the Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences and the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Huperzine B was isolated five years later. The plant source, originally called Qian Ceng Ta, meaning thousand-layers pagoda (referring to the tall multi-leafed appearance of the plant), is also known in China as Jin Bu Huan, a term meaning "more valuable than gold," usually applied to plants that have potent analgesic actions.

Clinical Trials

A number of animal studies have documented that huperzine A is a long acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor with greater potency than tacrine or donepezil, two cholinesterase inhibitors approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Huperzine A also appears to decrease neuronal cell death in the brain. Well designed human trials with huperzine A have not been published in the Western medical literature. Four clinical trials have been published in China, where it has been approved for treating dementia for many years. One of these studies was an 8 week, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of 103 patients with AD. Among patients who took 200 mcg of huperzine A twice daily, 58% improved in memory, cognition, behavior and function, compared to 36% of patients who took placebo. A derivative of huperzine A, huprine X, is also currently of interest for the treatment of AD.

Recently, the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) conducted the first large-scale U.S. clinical trial of huperzine A as a treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. And the results were not so encouraging so far. Participants taking huperzine A experienced no greater benefit than those taking a placebo.

Huperzine A has been evaluated at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. According to Alan Kozikowski, a chemist who is heading the research there, Huperzine A is more effective and more specific than tacrine, another anticholinesterase drug. Interneuron Pharmaceuticals in Lexington, Mass. is testing Huperzine A in human clinical trials.

Side Effects and Safety

No serious side effects have been reported with huperzine A. As a result of greater selectivity for central acetylcholinesterase, huperzine A may cause fewer cholinergic side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia) than tacrine, donepezil or rivastigmine. Bradycardia was reported in one clinical trial. Individuals with heart conditions should not use huperzine A without guidance from a physician. Possible contraindications include sick sinus syndrome and bradycardia. As an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, huperzine A can be expected to interact with cholinergic agonists, anticholinergic drugs, and the muscle relaxant, succinylcholine.

Huperzine A should be avoided by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Because of possible adverse effects in those with seizure disorders, cardiac arrhythmias and asthma, those with these disorders should avoid huperzine A. Those with irritable bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease and malabsorption syndromes should avoid huperzine A.

Dosage

There are various forms of huperzine A available, including extracts of Huperzia serrata, natural (-)-huperzine A and synthetic racemic (±)-huperzine A. Natural (-)-huperzine A is approximately three times more potent than the synthetic racemic mixture. The doses of natural (-)-huperzine A used in clinical studies ranged from 60 micrograms to 200 micrograms daily. Huperzine A should only be used with a physician's recommendation and monitoring. Now, it is mostly supplied in Capsules — 50 mcg and in Tablets — 50 mcg.

Conclusion

Because currently available formulations of huperzine A are dietary supplements, they are unregulated and manufactured with no uniform standards. Taking these unregulated preparations could increase the risks of serious side effects, especially if used in combination with FDA-approved Alzheimer drugs. It also can be a broad range of substances of differing quality.

For now, most doctors don't recommend taking huperzine A because FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitor medications are available that have been tested for safety and effectiveness. The Alzheimer's Association recommends that you not take huperzine A if you're already taking a prescribed cholinesterase inhibitor, such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) or galantamine (Razadyne). Taking both could cause stronger side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and muscle cramps. Consult with your doctor before starting any dietary supplement, including huperzine A.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp

http://www.healthyplace.com/alternative-mental-health/alzheimers/huperzine-a-for-treatment-of-alzheimers-disease/menu-id-55/

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/alzheimers.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/huperzine-a/AN02022

http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/2007/01/huperzine-factsheet-alzheimers.html

http://www.huperzine.net/story/huperzine-a-study-seeks-alternative-alzheimers-treatment

May Coenzyme Q10 be used as alternative treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease?

Overview:

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a compound found naturally in the energy-producing center of the cell known as the mitochondria. CoQ10 is involved in making an important molecule known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the cell's major energy source and drives a number of biological processes, including muscle contraction and the production of protein. CoQ10 also works as an antioxidant.

Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Scientists believe free radicals contribute to the aging process, as well as the development of a number of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

CoQ10 and Alzheimer’s

CoQ10 has been used, recommended, or studied for numerous conditions, but remains controversial as a treatment in many areas. There is promising preliminary evidence suggests that CoQ10 supplements may slow down, but not cure, dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease.

One of the theories of impaired memory involves lack of oxygen utilization by the brain, a function that is supported by Coenzyme Q10. The research which has been conducted on Coenzyme Q10 suggests that sufficient Coenzyme Q10 must be administered for a long enough period (usually 4-12 weeks), to achieve results, which is consistent with a buildup of enzyme activity. For instance, 60 mg of Coenzyme Q10 was administered for 6 months, along with vitamin B-6 and iron, to a 49 year old woman with Alzheimer's disease, who had a one year history of progressive memory impairment. It's believed that electron activity is reduced in Alzheimer's patients, and the lack of energy fuel may be implicated in furthuring development of the tangles seen on the nerves in Alzheimer’s. Co-enzyme Q10, of course, supports the production of electron activity and delivery of energy fuel to the nerves. Post-treatment, there was increased blood flow in the brain, faster alpha wave activity, and, "her mental state improved to almost normal after 6 months of therapy...symptoms progressed with cessation of the therapy and improved with its resumption".

 However, additional well-designed studies are needed to confirm these results before a firm recommendation can be made.

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use CoQ10 without first talking to your health care provider.

Daunorubicin and doxorubicin -- CoQ10 may help reduce the toxic effects on the heart caused by daunorubicin (Cerubidin) and doxorubicin (Adriamycin), two chemotherapy medications that are commonly used to treat several kinds of cancer. Always speak to your oncologist before taking antioxidants along with chemotherapy.

Blood pressure medications -- In a clinical study of individuals taking blood pressure medications, including diltiazem (Cardizem), metoprolol (Lopressor or Toprol), enalapril (Vasotec), and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat or Nitrobid), CoQ10 supplementation allowed the individuals to take lower dosages of these drugs. This suggests that CoQ10 may enhance the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications, but more research is needed to verify these results.

Blood-thinning medications -- There have been reports that CoQ10 may decrease the effectiveness of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidigrel (Plavix), leading to the need for increased doses. Therefore, given that this medication must be monitored very closely for maintenance of appropriate levels and steady blood thinning, CoQ10 should be used with warfarin only under careful supervision by your health care provider.

Timolol -- CoQ10 supplementation may reduce the heart-related side effects of timolol drops (Betoptic), a beta-blocker medication used to treat glaucoma, without decreasing the effectiveness of the medication.

Other -- Medications that can lower the levels of CoQ10 in the body include statins for cholesterol , including atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol, and simvastatin (Zocor), fibric acid derivatives for cholesterol, including gemfibrozil (Lopid), beta-blockers for high blood pressure, such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetolol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor or Toprol), and propranolol (Inderal), and tricyclic antidepressant medications, including amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and imipramine (Tofranil).

Side Effects and Warnings

There are few serious reported side effects of CoQ10. Side effects are typically mild and brief, stopping without any treatment needed. Reactions may include nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, heartburn, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin itching, rash, insomnia, headache, dizziness, itching, irritability, increased light sensitivity of the eyes, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms.

CoQ10 may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Serum glucose levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare provider, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

Low blood platelet number was reported in one person taking CoQ10. However, other factors (viral infection, other medications) may have been responsible. Lowering of platelets may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, although there is a lack of known reports of bleeding from CoQ10. Caution is advised in people who have bleeding disorders or who are taking drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

CoQ10 may decrease blood pressure, and caution is advised in patients with low blood pressure or taking blood pressure medications. Elevations of liver enzymes have been reported rarely, and caution is advised in people with liver disease or taking medications that may harm the liver. CoQ10 may lower blood levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. Thyroid hormone levels may be altered based on one study.

Organ damage due to lack of oxygen/blood flow during intense exercise has been reported in a study of patients with heart disease, although the specific role of CoQ10 is not clear. Vigorous exercise is often discouraged in people using CoQ10 supplements.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp#Coenzyme_Q10

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/coenzyme-q10-000295.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/coenzyme-q10/NS_patient-coenzymeq10/DSECTION=safety

http://www.pspinformation.com/nutrition/antioxidants/CoQ10-Alz.shtml

Greater purpose in life as weapon against Alzheimer’s Disease

The United States is currently experiencing the early stages of what is expected to be an epidemic of Alzheimer's Dementia. It is predicted that the current number of cases of Alzheimer's Dementia will double by 2020, and double again by 2040. Some unfortunate individuals are born with genes that strongly predispose them to developing Alzheimer's Dementia. However, this is true for only a minority of people. The familial, early onset form of Alzheimer's Dementia, which is so strongly linked to genetic abnormalities, is responsible for about five percent of cases of this illness. There is compelling evidence that the rest of us can escape, or at least postpone or diminish the severity of Alzheimer's, by improving our diets, maintaining our health and generally living healthier lifestyles. In most cases, it appears Alzheimer's Dementia can be avoided.

An underappreciated but scientifically substantiated fact is that getting a good education, challenging your mind, maintaining friendships and staying socially active can also help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's Dementia in later life. A new report in the American Medical Association journal, Archives of General Psychiatry, now compliments those findings in showing that simply having a sense of purpose in life can help to reduce this risk.

People who say their lives have a purpose are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, a new study suggests. Purpose -- which the researchers define as a "psychological tendency to derive meaning from life's experiences and to possess a sense of intentionality and goal directedness that guides behavior" -- has long been thought to protect against adverse health outcomes. For example, it was recently reported to be associated with longevity, they noted. But there was little information on the association of purpose with Alzheimer's disease.

As the population ages and dementia becomes a more frequent diagnosis, there's increasing impetus to determine the causes of the disease, associated risk factors and how to prevent it, explained study co-author Dr. Aron S. Buchman, an associate professor in the department of neurological sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

"There has been a lot of interest in psychosocial factors and their association with cognitive decline and dementia in later life," he said.

The study looked at the positive aspects of life and their possible effect on keeping dementia at bay, "looking at happiness, purposefulness in life, well-being and whether those kind of concepts are associated with a decreased risk of dementia," Buchman explained.

For the study, published in the March issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry, Buchman and his colleagues collected data on 951 older people without dementia who participated in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. The participants were asked to respond to statements such as: "I feel good when I think of what I have done in the past and what I hope to do in the future," and "I have a sense of direction and purpose in life."

After an average four years of follow-up, 16.3% of the people in the study developed Alzheimer's disease. Taking into account other factors that could account for Alzheimer's, the researchers found that people who responded most positively to statements about their lives were the least likely to develop the condition. Also, people who said they had more purposeful lives were less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment and had a slower rate of cognitive decline.

People who scored 4.2 out of 5 on the purpose-in-life measure were about 2.4 times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, compared with people who scored 3.0, the study found.

It's not known whether there is a biological reason for this finding, the researchers noted.

"One possibility is that, truly, somebody with high purpose in life might have a lower risk of developing dementia because of what's involved in purpose in life," Buchman said.

"The importance of the study," he added, "is this doesn't prove anything, but it points researchers in the direction of a link between purpose in life and cognition in late life. And now we have to find out what the biological basis is."

Still, the researchers think these findings could have implications for public health. "In particular, these findings may provide a new treatment target for interventions aimed at enhancing health and well-being in older adults. Purpose in life is a potentially modifiable factor that may be increased via specific behavioral strategies that help older persons identify personally meaningful activities and engage in goal-directed behaviors," the authors continue. "Even small behavioral modifications ultimately may translate into an increased sense of intentionality, usefulness and relevance."

"More social activity, more physical activity, higher cognitive activities, high purpose in life -- all these psychosocial factors seem to be linked with longer life, decreased mortality, decreased disability and provide important clues to a public health approach to try to increase independence in older people in later life," Buchman said.

Greg M. Cole, a neuroscientist at the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System, wondered if the study is really measuring depression, not a purposeful life.

"I am unclear about how low scores on the purpose-in-life measures can be separated from mild depression," Cole said. "Depression has been repeatedly associated with increased Alzheimer's disease risk. So psychiatrists can make a distinction, but they seem likely closely related."

"One wonders whether this is a treatable psychiatric condition contributing to risk or an early symptom of decline," he added.

William H. Thies, chief medical and scientific officer at the Alzheimer's Association, said the new study "contributes to the literature that says there is a linkage between behavior and disease."

The study begs the question whether there is more Alzheimer's disease because more people have a lower sense of purpose, or is a lower sense of purpose an early, subtle, sign of dementia, he said.

"As we get better and better at having biological measures of the disease, we will shed a lot of light on these kinds of studies and whether these behaviors are simply a symptom or they are a place where you can intervene," Thies said.

Previous researches have shown that people that have long histories of Major Depression are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's Dementia than those that do not. Reduction of stress further decreases the likelihood of dementia. Indeed, studies have shown that people who describe themselves as calm, relaxed, and self-satisfied can reduce their risk of Alzheimer's by one half. The East Boston study showed that every year of education after high school reduces the risk of Alzheimer's by 17 percent. A study at Duke University showed that having intellectually challenging work in adult life can reduce the risk of dementia even further beyond what a good education alone can do. In the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study it was found that maintaining friendships in later life significantly improves the likelihood of avoiding dementia. Another interesting study found that people already diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia who have large social networks of family and friends can maintain better cognitive function, even with higher levels of amyloid plaque damage in their brains, than can those without such social support. Scientific studies have also shown that people with deeply held religious beliefs and dedication to religious practices, regardless of the type, have a slower rate of cognitive decline when Alzheimer's dementia is already diagnosed. The current study now adds to this list of things we can do and ways we can approach life that can reduce our risk of dementia. Having a sense of purpose in life can reduce this risk.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=113908

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/scott-mendelson-md/a-sense-of-purpose-in-lif_b_488528.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100301165619.htm

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/AlzheimersNews/purpose-life-stave-off-alzheimers/story?id=9986018

Dance Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients

What is dance therapy?

Music therapy was established in 1950. It is designed to improve physical and emotional health through the use of music, through listening, song writing, performing, exploring lyrics or other activities related to music. Music therapy is most often used as part of stress management programs.

NICE guidelines specify that “people with mild to moderate dementia of all types should be given the opportunity to participate in a structured group cognitive stimulation program.” However, because of uncertainty about cost effectiveness, it remains for the voluntary sector to provide these services.

Dance therapy is the use of movement to improve physical and psychological wellbeing. Sessions deliver either structured dancing technique, such as social dancing with a partner, or a more contemporary approach that uses improvisation to link thoughts with movement. Sessions should be tailored to the severity of the dementia. For example, people with more severe dementia benefit from simpler movements and more caregivers to help. Small class sizes with similarly affected participants facilitate participation. Classes should last about an hour to reduce the risk of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease hindering further progress.

Social dancing with a partner is a familiar and enjoyable activity for elderly people and provides quality time for the patient and their partner. It develops procedural learning (long term memory initiated by past experience) and concentration because dancing is a dynamic rather than repetitive physical activity and can “link past memories to the present.” A man who attended Scottish country dancing lessons once a month with his wife, who had Alzheimer’s disease, noted that his wife remembered lots of the steps despite her limited cognitive ability. In one project, participants who danced in a circle felt they had been accepted into, and belonged to, a group. So social dancing offers participants an opportunity to succeed and boost their self esteem.

Projects that focused on free and creative expression have had similar benefits. A weekly project in which 8-10 participants used props and various musical genres encouraged people to move however they wanted, rather than follow a routine. Observations included participants engaging and improvement in mood and relationships among participants and between participants and their caregivers. Building relationships led to an increased sense of self and self esteem. One participant in this study remembered things from her childhood and her personal qualities and thought that she had been “got together again.” This type of dance also allowed emotions such as grief, anger, and loss to be tackled and reflected upon, allowing people to celebrate life again.

Dance awakens memories outside the dance session and helps patients “find themselves” again. A multisensory approach with different sounds, colors, and tangible objects further stimulates engagement and stimulation of participants.

Benefits of dance therapy

Various aspects of a dance session, such as the music, exercise, and social components of dancing, may achieve positive effects. However, vastly varying methods between most studies mean that they fail to agree the most important component. Although a Cochrane review shows that music therapy offers no definite benefits, subsequent research indicates that music can improve autobiographical memory and reduce agitation, anxiety, delusions, and other behavioral symptoms in dementia of any severity.

Exercise slows the progression of cognitive symptoms and is neuro-protective through increasing concentrations of insulin-like growth factor and reducing serum homocysteine. An active mid-life can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by up to 60% in people with the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele. The positive self esteem and social experience of exercise also improves cognition. However, exercise can be repetitive and there is a degree of “doing it right or wrong,” whereas dance is spontaneous and “always right”; indeed, some propose dance to be the only preventive physical activity. Overall, dance combines all these benefits into an attainable and enjoyable activity for all levels of disability.

According to researchers M. Brotons and S.M. Kroger of the Willamette University Psychology Department in Oregon, in their study on "The Impact of Music Therapy on Language Functioning in Dementia," patients showed statistically significant improvements in speech content and fluency after eight sessions of music therapy combined with conversations.

Other researchers have reported on proven benefits to Alzheimer’s patients derived from music therapy on aspects such as cognitive functions, social skills, and behavior (including reduced agitation and behavioral problems). Music and music therapy are not curative of Alzheimer’s and dementia, but the use of music therapy results in the beneficial effects on dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms. These benefits lead to an enhanced quality of life for both the patient and his or her caregiver.

Sound of Music

Typically, “stimulating music” activates, while “sedative music” quiets. Stimulating music, with percussive sounds and fairly quick tempos, tends to naturally promote movement, such as toe taps. Look to dance tunes of any era for examples. Slightly stimulating music can assist with activities of daily living: for example, at mealtime to rouse individuals who tend to fall asleep at the table or during bathing to facilitate movement from one room to another.

On the other hand, the characteristics of sedative music—ballads and lullabies—include unaccented beats, no syncopation, slow tempos, and little percussive sound. This is the best choice when preparing for bed or any change in routine that might cause agitation.

Responses that are opposite of those expected can occur and are likely due to a person’s specific associations with the piece or style of music.

Agitation Management

Non-verbal individuals in late dementia often become agitated out of frustration and sensory overload from the inability to process environmental stimuli. Engaging them in singing, rhythm playing, dancing, physical exercise, and other structured music activities can diffuse this behavior and redirect their attention.

For best outcomes, carefully observe an individual’s patterns in order to use music therapies just prior to the time of day when disruptive behaviors usually occur.

 Emotional Closeness

 As dementia progresses, individuals typically lose the ability to share thoughts and gestures of affection with their loved ones. However, they retain their ability to move with the beat until very late in the disease process.

Ambulatory individuals can be easily directed to couple dance, which may evoke hugs, kisses or caresses; those who are no longer walking can follow cues to rhythmically swing their arms. They often allow gentle rocking or patting in beat to the music and may reciprocate with affection.

An alternative to moving or touching is singing, which is associated with safety and security from early life. Any reciprocal engagement provides an opportunity for caregivers and care receivers to connect with one another, even when the disease has deprived them of traditional forms of closeness.

 How-to of music therapy

 Early stages

• ·         Go out dancing or dance in the house. 
• ·         Listen to music that the person liked in the past—whether swing or Sinatra or salsa. Recognize that perceptual changes can alter the way individuals with dementia hear music. If they say it sounds horrible, turn it off; it may to them. 
• ·         Experiment with various types of concerts and venues, giving consideration to endurance and temperament. 
• ·         Encourage an individual who played an instrument to try it again. 
• ·         Compile a musical history of favorite recordings, which can be used to help in reminiscence and memory recall.

Early and middle stages

Use song sheets or a karaoke player so the individual can sing along with old-time favorites.

Middle stages

• ·         Play music or sing as the individual is walking to improve balance or gait. 
• ·         Use background music to enhance mood. 
• ·         Opt for relaxing music—a familiar, non-rhythmic song—to reduce sundowning, or behavior problems at nighttime.

Late stages

• ·         Utilize the music collection of old favorites that you made earlier. 
• ·         Do sing-alongs, with “When the Saints Go Marching In” or other tunes sung by rote in that person’s generation. 
• ·         Play soothing music to provide a sense of comfort. 
• ·         Exercise to music. 
• ·         Do drumming or other rhythm-based activities.
• ·         Use facial expressions to communicate feelings when involved in these activities.

Negative aspects of dance therapy

Dance therapy may be effective only during a period of regular sessions. Patients and their families awaiting drug treatment or a “wonder cure” may be disappointed when dance therapy is offered. Patients who find dancing and movement difficult might be saddened by this reality. Concerns exist that physical activities in people with dementia in particular may raise the risk of falls and exacerbate various existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and so on. However, exercise could reduce falls by improving stability and improve the long term progress of other chronic conditions.

Prevention is better than no cure

The main risk factors for dementia include increasing life expectancy, obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, and hypertension. Although these are largely vascular dementia risk factors, age is a key cause of Alzheimer’s disease, so prevalence is also set to rise.

Dance therapy could be a preventive measure. Combining physical and mental activities can increase the cognitive reserve, reduce the rate of brain atrophy, stimulate neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, and increase brain perfusion as well as combating many of the risk factors. Early prevention is key, given that clinical presentation of symptoms occurs 10-20 years after the biological changes start.

The resources exist to allow any willing caregivers to run dance therapy classes, regardless of dance experience, and there is a lot of information available. The Expressive Arts with Elders resource also promotes easy, money saving dance techniques, such as using a dustpan as a drum or beans as shakers. Alternatively, professional dance teachers charge about £30 an hour. Additional considerations, such as facilities, facilitators, organizing transport, and coordinating and organizing potential participants and their caregivers require further research, to see whether these factors allow dance therapy to be a cost effective option.

Dance “challenges the stereotypes of ageing and disease.” It also provides a good mix of cognitive and physical stimulation. It is also refreshing for patients and caregivers to experience a treatment that is not a drug regimen.

Sources and Additional Information:

http://archive.student.bmj.com/issues/09/03/education/112.php

http://www.caring.com/articles/music-therapy-stroke-diagnosis

http://www.alzfdn.org/EducationandCare/musictherapy.html

http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/music-as-a-tool-to-improve-communications-skills-in-alzheimers-patients/

Can Ginkgo Biloba Prevent or Slow Down Alzheimer's Symptoms

Ginkgo biloba is a plant extract containing several compounds that may have positive effects on cells within the brain and the body. Ginkgo biloba is thought to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to protect cell membranes and to regulate neurotransmitter function. Ginkgo has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine and currently is being used in Europe to alleviate cognitive symptoms associated with a number of neurological conditions.

The difficulty of stating absolutes about ginkgo's effectiveness is that research findings vary in their results. Some clinical trials do show some small positive effects on people with Alzheimer's disease, other studies no effect.

Gold, Carhill and Wenk (2003) say in their prospective study (extensive review) that, "Our overriding impression, however, is that we do not have enough information to say conclusively whether ginkgo does or does not improve cognition".

The final results of a large, multicenter Phase III study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association  (November 19, 2008) has also showed that gingko was no better than placebo in delaying changes in memory, thinking and personality and had no impact on the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The Gingko Evaluation and Memory (GEM) Study enrolled 3,000 individuals age 75 or older who either had no dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive twice daily doses of either a placebo or 120 milligrams of gingko biloba extract. They were followed up every six months for six years.

Researchers found no statistical difference in dementia or Alzheimer’s rates between the groups. Among those receiving gingko, 277 developed dementia. Among those receiving placebo, 246 developed dementia. Mortality rates were also similar.

"It just continues to show that in properly designed, placebo-controlled studies, we can't seem to find an effect for ginkgo biloba," says Lon Schneider, an Alzheimer's and gerontology expert at the University of Southern California. The size of this study is larger than all previous ginkgo biloba studies combined, he says.

Douglas MacKay, vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs at the Council for Responsible Nutrition, a supplement industry trade group, disputes the study's findings.

"There is a large body of previously published evidence, as well as ongoing trials, which suggest that ginkgo biloba is effective for helping to improve cognitive impairment in older adults," he says.

U.S. sales for ginkgo biloba were $99 million in 2008, down 8% from 2007 but still placing it the 8th most popular herb and botanical that the Nutrition Business Journal tracks.

Is Ginkgo Harmless?

The findings strongly argue against the use of ginkgo biloba for the prevention of mental decline in older populations, claims professor Lon S. Schneider, MD from University of Southern California psychiatry and neurology. He notes that the GEM study is far larger and longer than any previous placebo-controlled ginkgo biloba trial. "The message to take from this is that this intervention doesn't work," he says.

In an editorial accompanying the study, Schneider pointed to earlier trials suggesting a slight increase in strokes and mini-strokes in patients taking ginkgo biloba.

In the GEM study, there was no difference in heart attack or ischemic strokes between the ginkgo and placebo-treated patients. Ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke, are caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. There were more hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes in the ginkgo group, but the overall number of cases was small and the difference was not found to be significant.

"The potential adverse effects of ginkgo biloba extract illustrate why it is untenable to recommend a drug or nutraceutical in the absence of efficacy evidence simply because it could possibly help and initially appears harmless," Schneider writes.

Although he acknowledges that the GEM study was well designed, Mark Blumenthal, who is founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, tells that the trial does not represent the last word on ginkgo biloba and dementia.

"There are other trials that will be coming out," he says. "Whether or not they will show a positive result or not remains to be seen." He cited several studies suggesting a role for ginkgo biloba in slowing the progression of dementia in elderly people already experiencing cognitive decline. "In reporting the news that ginkgo biloba didn't work for prevention in this study, it is important not to mislead people into thinking that there is no evidence to support treatment," he says.

About Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is sometimes called a living fossil and the only surviving member of the Ginkgo family. It is one of the oldest living tree species, a deciduous conifer, dating back over three-hundred million years. Individual trees may live for one thousand years, as they are resistant to viruses, fungi, insects, pollution and even radiation, and they may reach 122 feet in height. Native to China, it has been included in Chinese herbal medicine's repertoire for almost five thousand years, where it was used for respiratory tract ailments and for memory loss in older adults. The trees were introduced to Europe in 1730 and the United States in 1784 as ornamentals, but since the 1980s, Western medical interest in the plant has grown dramatically since its potent actions on the cardiovascular system were identified. Different parts of the plant have different properties with different medical applications. Most commercial growth of Ginkgo is centered in plantations in South Carolina, France and China. Some of Ginkgo's constituents include amino acids, tannins, quercetin, beta-carotene, flavone glycosides, bioflavones, sitosterol, lactones, anthocyanin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamins A and C. Ginkgo is now among the leading prescription medicines in both Germany and France. 

Sources and Additional Information:

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_alternative_treatments.asp

http://alzheimers.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/ginkgo_biloba.htm

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-12-30-ginkgo30_ST_N.htm

http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20081118/ginkgo-biloba-doesnt-prevent-dementia