Strategies for the use of Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761 , in the treatment and management of mild cognitive impairment in Asia: Expert consensus.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurocognitive state between normal cognitive aging and dementia, with evidence of neuropsychological changes but insufficient functional decline to warrant a diagnosis of dementia. Individuals with MCI are at increased risk for progression to dementia; and an appreciable proportion display neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), also a known risk factor for dementia. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is thought to be an underdiagnosed contributor to MCI/dementia.

Treatment of dementia and mild cognitive impairment with or without cerebrovascular disease: Expert consensus on the use of Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761.

Background: The Ginkgo biloba special extract, EGb 761 has been widely used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: To guide clinical practice in the Asian region, the Asian Clinical Expert Group on Neurocognitive Disorders compiled evidence-based consensus recommendations regarding the use of EGb 761 in neurocognitive disorders with/without cerebrovascular disease.

Results: Key randomized trials and robust meta-analyses have demonstrated significant improvement in cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life with EGb 761 versus placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia.