People with dementia suffer from more than just memory loss: they suffer from irritability, sleep disturbances, depression, and more. While few medications fully relieve such symptoms, a study has found that an extract of the herb Ginkgo biloba might be one natural option for relief.

For 24 weeks, 410 participants with mild to moderate dementia were randomly assigned to a daily placebo or 240 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract.

Participants were given a questionnaire that evaluates dementia symptoms and their caregivers filled out questionnaires about their level of distress. Participants were not taking medications for dementia.

Results showed that participants in the ginkgo group experienced small but statistically significant improvements in symptoms such as sleep disturbances, indifference, irritability, depression, and motor behaviours compared with the placebo group.

Ginkgo may interact with many types of commonly used medications such as ibuprofen and warfarin (Coumadin), and these interactions may cause serious side effects such as bleeding, so consult a doctor if considering trying this.