The article below is extracted from Medical Tribune dated 15 - 31 Dec 2006. You can download the issue from Medical Tribune website at http://www.medicaltribune.com/
Recent Benefits of EGb 761®
(Standardized Ginkgo biloba extract)
in Prevention of Dementia
Recently, a number of studies have further explored this potential role of EGb 761®. A summary of 2 significant studies are presented below. For more studies on EGb 761®, check out the complete article at Medical Tribune website.
GuidAge Study1
This French trial began in 2004 and was designed to be a 5-year, double-blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial of EGb 761® administered in a dose of 120 mg twice per day. Its main objective is to evaluate treatment with EGb 761® versus placebo on the conversion rate of memory complaints to AD amongst patients aged 70 and above. This particular population was targeted because memory complaints are reported to be a risk factor of cognitive decline and onset of dementia independent of the level of performance of memory tests.2
In this study, patients who spontaneously report a memory complaint to their general practitioners (GPs) are recruited, and if eligible, received either placebo or EGb 761® twice a day for 5 years. Patients are assessed annually for cognitive function and possible onset of dementia. They are also seen every 3 months by their GPs to assess concomitant diseases, therapy compliance, safety and to receive medication.
A total of 2854 patients were included in the study, and 1764 patients completed the one-year follow up. Out of these 1764 patients, 49 suspected cases of dementia were identified : this rate of conversion to AD of 2.8% was in line with the study forecast. Results of the study are expected to be released in 2010 – cases of AD, however, are expected to b e lower in the EGb 761® group compared with placebo. The study forecast is to rech a 25% reduction of AD conversion in the EGb 761® group.
Another long-term, randomized study that began recently is the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory or GEM study.
GEM Study3
This American study was initially designed as a 5-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba, administered in a dose of 120mg twice per day as EGb 761®, in the prevention of dementia (and especially Alzheimer’s disease) in normal elderly individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment. The study anticipates of 8.5 years of participant follow-up.
To date, 3000 subjects without dementia and aged over 75 years have been included in the study, which began in 2003. The primary outcome of the study is incidence of all-cause dementia; secondary outcomes include rate of cognitive and functional decline, the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and mortality. Following baseline screening, subjects are to be assessed every 6 months for the next 5 years, with telephone contact every 3 months. Study results are expected to be released in 2008.
Conclusion
These 2 clinical studies, GEM & GuidAge, are the 2 most important trials in the area of dementia prevention. EGb 761® is already known for its low cost and good tolerance. It is hoped that the results of these studies will prove that EGb 761® has an important role to play in the prevention of AD and its associated dementia.
References:
1. Vellas B, et al. Poster presented at the XIXth days of GRAL, Marseilles, France, 3-4 Feb 2006.
2. Dartigues JF, et al. Therpie 1997;52:503-506.
3. DeKosky S, et al. Contemp Clin Trials 2006;27:238-253. Epub 2006.
