‘may aid stroke recovery’

a decline in organizational and reasoning skills among stroke survivors.researchers wanted to see if combining ginkgo biloba with aspirin might help lessen or halt the cognitive decline.

Previous experimental studies in animals have suggested that ginkgo biloba protects against the nerve cell death associated with blood clots in the brain, possibly by increasing blood Àow in the cerebral arteries.

Transient ischemic attacks (also known as mini-strokes) — symptoms resolve within 24 hours but the majority resolve within 10-60 minutes.

Symptoms last more than 24 hours but often resolve within a few days — and are usually relatively mild.

Minor stroke: Major stroke:

Usually taken to mean some permanent symptoms remain.

All the participants took a neuropsychological test (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) at the start of the trial, and then 12, 30, 90 and 180 days later, to check for any cognitive impairment.

The results showed that those taking the combination of aspirin and ginkgo biloba had higher scores for cognitive skills, including memory and reasoning, than those who weren’t.

Speech problems and muscle strength also improved more rapidly, with indications of improved functional capacity 12 and 30 days after the start of treatment.

Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species. Researchers say the extract used in the study contained more protective, and fewer harmful, chemicals than the extract typically used in previous studies. Few sideeffects were reported during the trial.

The participants were subsequently monitored for nearly two years, with little difference in the vascular health of the two groups: 16 people in the combined treatment group, and 20 in the aspirin group had further problems, including recurrent stroke and aneurysm.

However, longer term studies looking at stroke severity are necessary, before any more de¿nitive conclusions can be reached.

Dr. David Reynolds, chief scienti¿c of¿cer of Alzheimer’s Research, criticized the methodology used in the trial: “The researchers were able to tell which participants received the ginkgo biloba extract and which didn’t — a set up that can strongly inÀuence results.

“There have been extensive trials investigating the effects of this herbal extract in people with dementia and they have not shown convincing evidence of a bene¿t.”

How to recognize a stroke Face:

Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile? Can they raise both their arms and keep them there? Is their speech slurred? If you notice any of these symptoms it is...

Arms: Speech: Time:

Time to call 115 if you see any single one of these signs:

● Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes

● Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body ● Sudden memory loss or confusion ● Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other symptoms