Increased interest in and awareness of brain health aren't bad. After all, more than 7 million people in the U.S. live with Alzheimer's. But this has led people to seek quick fixes to prevent, slow or reverse cognitive decline, and neurologists warn that these "fixes" aren't typically grounded in science.
Dr. Schultz explains that the quality, amount and source of the ingredients can vary, even within the same brand, sharing, "Also, supplement manufacturers do not have to prove that the supplements actually work the way they claim. Some manufacturers have been fined by the FTC for false advertising because of this."
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"Ginkgo is one of those supplements that has been touted as a natural treatment for dementia," Dr. Schultz tells Parade. "It is a tree, and its leaves and fruit are used in traditional medicine. It has been used for centuries to treat asthma, stomach disorders and dementia."
But Ginkgo biloba proponents cite a small number of studies suggesting the supplement may have a modest effect on brain health.
For what it's worth, many of the components of Ginkgo that might support brain health are readily available in whole foods.
Related: Scientists Reveal This Many Daily Steps Could Cut Your Dementia Risk by 51%
What Are the Risks of Taking Ginkgo Biloba?
"There are risks of taking any supplement," she explains. "Just like a medication, supplements can cause side effects."
Allergic reactionsIncreased risk of bleedingInteractions with some medications, including antidepressantsSerotonin syndromeHeadacheNausea
Related:We Asked 3 Neurologists About the Best Breakfast for Memory and They All Said the Same Thing
Dr. Schultz suggests the MIND diet, a mix of the Mediterranean and DASH eating plans. Think fruits and vegetables, lean and plant-based proteins, healthy fats (like olive oil) and foods low in sodium, added sugar and saturated fat.
2. Get consistently good sleep
Dr. Schultz advises people to try to log 30 minutes of exercise five days per week to slow brain aging.
4. Stay social
Dr. Schultz says social engagement (not just on Facebook) is vital to keeping the brain healthy.
5. Seek help
If you're concerned about cognitive decline in yourself or someone else, Dr. Schultz recommends speaking with your family doctor or primary care physician. They may refer you to a neurologist. "Not all memory loss is normal aging, but it takes a neurological evaluation to determine that," she says. "The sooner it is done, the better."
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Sources:
Dr. Jessica Schultz, MD, a neurologist with Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience AssociatesDr. Noah Rosen, MD, a neurologist and director of headache medicine at Northwell HealthNew Alzheimer’s Association Report: Americans Care Deeply About Brain Health but Most Don’t Know How to Maintain It. Alzheimer's Association.2026 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. Alzheimer's & Dementia.Ginkgo biloba for Preventing Cognitive Decline in Older Adults. JAMA. Is Ginkgo biloba a cognitive enhancer in healthy individuals? A meta-analysis. Human Psychopharmacology.Examining Brain-Cognition Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract: Brain Activation in the Left Temporal and Left Prefrontal Cortex in an Object Working Memory Task. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.Hence then, the article about the supplement neurologists say is a waste of money for brain health was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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