Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease With Ginkgo

As you get older, you start to begin to consider the health implications that come with old age. One of the biggest issues in the lives of seniors is dementia. There are several forms of dementia but the most common and most challenging form is called Alzheimer’s disease. There has not been a cure developed for Alzheimer’s disease but the CDC says that 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease today. As many as 14 million people are projected to have Alzheimer’s disease by the year 2050.

Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease With GinkgoWith the forecast for Alzheimer’s disease predicted to be very high, many people are now looking for natural solutions to help potentially prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders.

Ginkgo biloba trees provide an extract called ginkgo. Ginkgo has been used in medicine for many years, especially in Asian countries like China. The extract can be used as a treatment for  anything from memory loss to blood disorders. Because of its ability to treat these diseases, people believe that taking ginkgo can prevent and treat Alzheimer disease because it works to enable healthy blood circulation in the brain. Some of its alleged benefits include enhancing memory and cognitive functions.

Many believe that ginkgo can make life easier for people who have brain diseases. There have been some studies that suggest that ginkgo may help to reduce the possibility of developing of Alzheimer’s in women. Other studies have shown that it may have a similar efficacy as certain prescription drugs. However, other studies, which took place over a longer period of time, showed that there was little to no difference between taking ginkgo or a placebo.  Recent studies support these findings but there is still an intense debate in the medical community.

Despite the debate, there are many varied benefits of the ginkgo extract. It has helped to improve blood flow in subjects who have leg pain as a result of poor circulation. It is also said to be an effective method of treating vertigo. People who have vertigo seem to tolerate ginkgo extract better than betahistine, a pharmaceutical designed to treat vertigo. Supposedly, ginkgo can also help treat the following diseases and problems: glaucoma, PMS, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, MS, and tinnitus. Many of these issues are a result of poor blood flow.

You should always ask your doctor before you begin taking any supplement and this includes ginkgo. There are potential side effects including: headache, diarrhea, nausea, allergies and dizziness. If you are on medications for blood diseases, you should always consult your doctor before taking ginkgo because it can have a negative interaction with these medications.Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease With Ginkgo

Because it helps to increase blood flow, you should not take ginkgo within 36 hours of having an operation or surgery of any kind. This is because ginkgo extract is known to increase bleeding, including potential internal bleeding. People who have epilepsy or diabetes should ask their physician before considering this supplement because ginkgo has caused seizures in some patients. Ginkgo should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ginkgo fruits and extracts have properties which are toxic. Ginkgo supplements are not regulated by the FDA.