Huperzine A
Huperzine A is an herbal supplement derived from the plant Huperzia serrata. In China, it has been used for centuries as a treatment for swelling, fever, and blood disorders. Recent clinical trials in China have reportedly shown that huperzine can also benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Intrigued, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has launched a clinical trial of huperzine A as a treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This NIA study, which will involve 150 patients, will be the first U.S. clinical trial comparing a standardized preparation of huperzine with a placebo.
Experts believe that Huperzine A functions much like cholestinerase inhibitors such as Reminyl, Exelon, and Aricept. These drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholes-tinerase and slowing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the formation of memories, thoughts, and judgment.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is an herbal remedy that comes from an ancient tree in China. Extracts from the leaves of the tree may improve memory, and slow the progression of dementia. Gingko works by increasing blood flow in the brain and boosting neurotransmitter activity.
To determine its effects, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is conducting a phase III clinical trial. Participants, who are all at least 75 years old, are being given 240 mg. a day to see whether gingko biloba decreases the incidence of dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Disease). It will also measure whether the supplement can slow cognitive decline and functional disability, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, and decrease total mortality.
The B vitamins
In people who have Alzheimer’s disease, blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine are elevated. Experts know that homocysteine levels can be reduced by high dose treatments of vitamins B6, B12, and folate. They wonder if such a therapy regimen would also reduce the impact of Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s Disease) and slow the cognitive decline.
To find out, the National Institute on Aging is doing a study called Vitamins to Slow Alzheimer’s, or VITAL. Sixty percent of the subjects will receive high doses of the three vitamins (5mg. of folate, 25 mg. of vitamin B6, and 1 mg. of vitamin B12) and 40 percent will receive an identical looking placebo. The study will last eighteen months, and participants will be examined for their performance on a test that evaluates cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, reasoning, and language.