September is World Alzheimer’s Month and not a day goes by without discussion about this disease as the global population ages. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and it is unknown why one individual develops dementia and another does not. Dementia affects 5 percent of the population over age sixty, with the incidence doubling every five years, affecting up to 30 percent for those above age eighty.
Genetic influences play a role in our brain development and influence its resilience. While there is little you can do about your genetic profile, incorporating protective factors can increase your cognitive reserve and reduce your risk of developing dementia and associated diseases.
Certain life experiences determine one’s cognitive reserve and protective factors include: education, physical activity and mental and social activity. Well-known risk factors that can create vascular results or neuronal damage include an unhealthy diet, alcohol misuse, smoking, diabetes, obesity and hypertension.
Ginkgo biloba has been one of the most widely researched herbs for the treatment and prevention of cognitive decline and is also known as a nutrient application for eye health. A number of trials have examined the effects of G. biloba in healthy cognitive intact older adults. It has been shown to be effective in improving memory and cognitive function in healthy adults. (1,2,3)
1. Stough C.et al. Neuropsychological changes after 30-day Ginkgo biloba administration in healthy participants. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2001:4(2):131-134.
2. Elsabagh S, et al. Differential cognitive effects of Ginkgo biloba after acute and chronic treatment in healthy young volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005:179(2):437-466.
3. Kennedy DO, et al. The dose-dependent cognitive effects of acute administration of Ginkgo biloba to healthy young volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2000:151(4):416-423.
“I have been taking AIM GinkgoSense since 1994 and like the fact that it has great antioxidant capabilities along with assisting good capillary blood flow to the eyes and mental clarities. I am now sixty years of age and can still read the Supplement Facts on the GinkgoSense label without reading glasses! I find that when I go off my GinkgoSense my vision starts to go a little blurry. I enjoy taking many of the other AIM products.”
—Rob Hetherington, AIM Director
The AIM Companies 