How Ginkgo Biloba Can Help Cognitive Recovery After a Stroke
Ginkgo biloba, which comes from one of the oldest known tree species, may hold secrets to boosting cognitive function, even after stroke. In the U.S., someone has a stroke every 40 seconds. In 87% of those cases, the stroke is ischemic, meaning blood flow to the brain is blocked. 1 Cognitive impairment is a common consequence, with up to 60% of stroke survivors suffering from post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) within one year. While about 20% of mild cases may resolve, up to one-third go on to develop dementia over the next five years. 2 Ginkgo shows promise for improving cognitive recovery when used in the early days following stroke. 3 Ginkgo May Help Improve Cognition After Stroke Ginkgo has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular nutraceutical for centuries in Asian countries, and is a revered part of traditional Chinese medicine. 4 Studies are ongoing looking into the effect of the ginkgo compound ginkgolide B to prevent cerebrovascular diseases, including ische...