Occasionally I lose my train of thought during a lecture. In an effort to make the most of an awkward situation I transition to a comment about my "senior moment." I tell my audience that health professionals now know there are three criteria that are a sign of aging. The first is an inability to heal as quickly as a younger person. The second is experiencing a loss of memory, and the third is.......... I pause, then say, "and I've forgotten the third!"

If you have experienced memory lapses that make you wonder if you are "losing your mind" you have probably been intrigued by ads for non-prescription supplements promoted for improving memory. The most heavily advertised herbal remedy is Ginkgo Biloba, which is marketed for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

So far, there's no scientific evidence that Ginkgo works to alleviate the common memory lapses that accompany aging. Reliable studies reveal that Ginkgo is useful in delaying the progress of Alzheimer's Disease by 6-9 months. In another study from Germany where Ginkgo was given to people suffering from dementia twenty seven percent showed improvement. Fourteen percent of the individuals in the same study who were taking a placebo also showed improvement. There was no improvement in mental acuity in another study where Ginkgo was given to mentally healthy individuals.

I don't think taking Ginkgo will hurt you. I also don't think it will help you resolve struggles with lost keys, remembering where you parked your car or loss of the name of a close friend in the stress of a crucial moment. If you choose to take Ginkgo (or any supplement) I urge you to stick with recommendations to use a product that's labeled USP or "standardized" to be sure you are getting the same dose with each tablet or capsule. If you are taking ANY prescripton drug don't add Ginkgo without checking with your physician. It acts as an anticoagulant for blood (commonly called a "blood thinner"). This means more oxygenated blood gets to the brain but an over the counter supplement that thins blood can create serious problems for someone taking a prescription drug for this action. It also shouldn't be taken if you bruise easily, or are taking a daily aspirin to help prevent heart disease. Like most herbal products, Ginkgo shouldn't be used more than six months unless you are willing to risk the as yet unknown effects of taking an herb a long time. Remember, drugs that give us relief are rarely localized. Unless you are seriously ill, taking a drug is always a matter of weighing the pros and cons and being willing to live with any consequences of your choice.

Be well.