The use of ginkgo biloba in the treatment of dementia

Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves reverses yohimbine-induced spatial working memory deficit in rats

Extract of Ginkgo biloba is used to alleviate age-related decline in cognitive function, which may be associated with the loss of catecholamines in the prefrontal cortex. The purpose of this study was to verify whether alpha-2 adrenergic activity is involved in the facilitative effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba on prefrontal cognitive function. Male Wistar rats were trained to reach criterion in the delayed alternation task (0, 25, and 50-s delay intervals). A pilot study found that 3 or 4 mg/kg of yohimbine (intraperitoneal) reduced the choice accuracy of the delayed alternation task in a dose and delay-dependent manner, without influencing motor ability or perseverative behaviour. Acute oral pre-treatment with doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg (but not 25 mg/kg) of extract of Ginkgo biloba prevented the reduction in choice accuracy induced by 4 mg/kg yohimbine. These data suggest that the prefrontal cognition-enhancing effects of extract of Ginkgo biloba are related to its actions on alpha-2-adrenoceptors.

Complementary and alternative medical approaches to treating adult neurogenic communication disorders: a review

PURPOSE

This paper reviews studies investigating the effectiveness of treating adult neurogenic communication disorders with complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). CAM is gradually experiencing recognition as a viable treatment approach for a variety of disorders by practitioners and patients. Some patients are using CAM as an adjunct to traditional rehabilitation. Additionally, speech-language pathologists are increasingly using CAM in treating communication disorders.

METHOD

This review provides a description of various CAM techniques including acupuncture, hypnosis, relaxation training, dreamwork, biofeedback and homeopathy/herbal medicine. Investigations exploring the effectiveness of each of these approaches as they have been applied to aphasia, motor speech disorders, and cognitive impairments are discussed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Little scientific inquiry into the effectiveness of CAM in the treatment of aphasia, motor speech disorders, and cognitive impairments has occurred. Many of the reviewed studies demonstrate inconsistent results; use limited sample sizes; do not include quantitative measures of cognitive, linguistic or motor speech skills; and are poorly reported. This review suggests that further exploration of this area is required before any strong conclusions regarding effectiveness and efficacy of these techniques can be made.