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Gingko biloba extract EGb 761®: clinical data in dementia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2012

Ralf Ihl
Ralf Ihl*
Affiliation:
Clinic of Geriatric Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Alexian Hospital, Krefeld, Germany, and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Ralf Ihl, Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Alexian Hospital, Oberdiessemer Str. 136, Krefeld, NRW, D-47805, Germany. Phone: +49 2151347904; Fax: +49 2151347901. Email: ralf.ihl@t-online.de.
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Abstract

Research into Gingko biloba extract EGb 761® has been ongoing for many years. Early studies showed that the extract was superior to placebo in improving symptoms of dementia, and this has been confirmed by more recent research. The GINDEM-NP, GOTADAY and GOT-IT! studies showed that 240 mg/day EGb 761® improved cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activities of daily living, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate dementia compared with placebo, with results reproducible in independent trials. The strength of the effect in terms of improvements in neurosensory symptoms associated with old age and dementia was strong enough to be detected by caregivers and independent clinicians. A combination of 240 mg/day EGb 761® and 10 mg/day (initially 5 mg/day) donepezil was also more effective than either drug alone. Regarding the improvement of neuropsychiatric symptoms, a cross-comparison of studies with different antidementia agents suggests that EGb 761® is at least as effective as memantine, galantamine, and donepezil. Safety data revealed no important safety concerns with EGb 761®.

Keywords

activities of daily livingAlzheimer's diseasecognitive functiondementiadonepezilgalantaminememantineneuropsychiatric inventoryquality of lifeSyndrom-Kurztest
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 24 , Supplement S1: The aging brain: current concepts, intervention strategies and the role of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 , August 2012 , pp. S35 - S40
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2012

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