Vascular dementia
Supplements studied for vascular dementia.
Overview
Alpha-GPC and Panax Ginseng are the two supplements studied for vascular dementia, both with limited evidence. Alpha-GPC given by injection daily for three months may help thinking, mood, and daily functioning in mild to moderate disease, working about as well as CDP in one small study.
Panax Ginseng has only been tested in a combination product with ginkgo and saffron (SaiLuoTong), which slightly improved cognition and daily activities over 16 weeks, though benefits faded after stopping. Both carry low ratings. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Alpha-GPC | ★★★★★ | Low |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
3 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
GinkgoView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Ginkgo may confer small benefits for people already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or mixed types of dementia.
- At higher doses (usually 240 mg per day), some studies found modest improvements in memory, thinking, and daily functioning.
- However, results are not always consistent, and in some studies ginkgo did not help.
- For behavioral or mood-related symptoms linked to dementia (such as agitation or anxiety), ginkgo at higher doses may help somewhat, although it does not seem to improve psychosis.
- Some studies suggest ginkgo may work about as well as the prescription drug donepezil in the short term, but other research suggests prescription medications for dementia are generally stronger than ginkgo.
- Importantly, ginkgo does not prevent dementia or stop it from getting worse.
- Large long-term studies in older adults show that taking ginkgo daily does not lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, and it does not slow decline once dementia has started.
Browse 31 studies·15 meta-analyses
MetaGinkgo biloba extract EGb 761 is safe and effective in the treatment of mild dementia - a meta-analysis of patient subgroups in randomised controlled trials2025n=782
A meta-analysis of ginkgo EGb 761 trials in mild dementia (782 patients) found significant improvements in cognitive (SKT) and functional (ADL) scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 782
Systematic reviewEfficacy and safety of ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil hydrochloride in the treatment of Chinese patients with vascular dementia: A systematic review meta-analysis2024n=1,309
A meta-analysis of 1,309 vascular dementia patients found ginkgo biloba extract plus donepezil significantly improved cognitive scores versus donepezil alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 1,309
Systematic reviewEffectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba preparations in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis2023n=1,642
A meta-analysis of 1,642 Alzheimer disease patients found ginkgo biloba plus donepezil significantly improved cognitive outcomes versus donepezil alone with acceptable safety.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Participants
- 1,642
Systematic reviewEfficacy and safety of herbal medicine on dementia and cognitive function: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis2023
An umbrella review found ginkgo biloba among herbal medicines with moderate evidence for improving cognitive function in dementia, though 65% of included reviews were critically low quality.
- Effect
- Benefit
ObservationalGinkgo Biloba Extract Is Comparable With Donepezil in Improving Functional Recovery in Alzheimer's Disease: Results From a Multilevel Characterized Study Based on Clinical Features and Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging2021n=50
In 50 Alzheimer patients, ginkgo biloba extract 150 mg/day for 6 months produced functional recovery comparable to donepezil on resting-state fMRI and clinical measures.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 150 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Participants
- 50
- Ages
- 50–85
MetaMeta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba Preparation for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease2020n=939
A meta-analysis of ginkgo biloba trials in Alzheimer disease (939 patients) found significant improvements in cognitive scores and daily functioning versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 939
MetaGinkgo biloba Extract (EGb761), Cholinesterase Inhibitors, and Memantine for the Treatment of Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: A Network Meta-Analysis2019
A network meta-analysis found ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day ranked comparably to cholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive benefit in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
MetaTreatment effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761® on the spectrum of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2018n=1,628
A meta-analysis of 1,628 dementia patients found ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day significantly reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms (NPI scores) versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 22–24 weeks
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Participants
- 1,628
MetaEfficacy and adverse effects of ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis2015n=2,561
A meta-analysis of 2,561 patients found standardized ginkgo EGb 761 significantly improved cognition in dementia and was well tolerated with low adverse event rates versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 22–26 weeks
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- MCI patients
- Participants
- 2,561
MetaMeta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of dementia2015n=2,381
A meta-analysis of 2,381 dementia patients found ginkgo biloba significantly improved SKT cognitive scores and ADL versus placebo across 12–52 week trials.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12–52 weeks
- Dose
- 120 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Participants
- 2,381
MetaA systematic review on natural medicines for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease with meta-analyses of intervention effect of ginkgo2014
A systematic review with ginkgo meta-analysis found ginkgo biloba significantly improved cognitive outcomes in Alzheimer disease RCTs versus placebo, though overall herbal evidence was heterogeneous.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
RCTEfficacy of rivastigmine in comparison to ginkgo for treating Alzheimer's dementia2012n=56
In 56 Alzheimer patients over 24 weeks, ginkgo biloba 120 mg/day produced comparable cognitive improvements to rivastigmine 4.5 mg/day on MMSE and Seven Minute test.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 120 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Participants
- 56
- Ages
- 50–75
RCTGinkgo biloba extract EGb 761® in dementia with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 240 mg2012n=202
In 410 dementia outpatients, ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day for 24 weeks significantly improved cognitive (SKT) and neuropsychiatric (NPI) scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Participants
- 202
RCTLong-term use of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (GuidAge): a randomised placebo-controlled trial2012n=2,854
In 2,854 elderly adults with memory complaints followed 5 years, ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice daily did not reduce incidence of Alzheimer disease versus placebo (GuidAge trial).
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 2,854
- Avg age
- ~70
RCTMeta-analysis of Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.2011
This meta-analysis of ginkgo biloba extract for Alzheimer disease reported pooled treatment effects; no abstract was available to confirm specific outcomes.
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTBaseline neuropsychiatric symptoms are effect modifiers in Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761®) treatment of dementia with neuropsychiatric features. Retrospective data analyses of a randomized controlled trial2010
Retrospective analysis of a 410-patient dementia trial found ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day was most effective in patients with higher baseline neuropsychiatric symptom burden.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
MetaEffectiveness of standardized ginkgo biloba extract on cognitive symptoms of dementia with a six-month treatment: a bivariate random effect meta-analysis2010
A bivariate meta-analysis found standardized ginkgo biloba extract significantly improved cognitive symptoms in dementia after approximately 6 months versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
MetaEffects of Ginkgo biloba in dementia: systematic review and meta-analysis2010n=10
A meta-analysis found ginkgo biloba produced a small but significant improvement in Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale cognition scores versus placebo in dementia trials ≥12 weeks.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12–52 weeks
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 10
Systematic reviewGinkgo biloba in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review2010
A systematic review of ginkgo for Alzheimer disease found inconsistent evidence across 6 RCTs; overall benefit on patient-relevant outcomes was uncertain due to heterogeneity.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 240 mg
- Population
- Older adults
RCTGinkgo biloba extract EGb 761(R), donepezil or both combined in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with neuropsychiatric features: a randomised, double-blind, exploratory trial2009n=96
In 96 Alzheimer patients with neuropsychiatric features, ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day was comparable to donepezil for cognitive improvement over 22 weeks in an exploratory trial.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 22 weeks
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 96
- Avg age
- ~50
MetaGinkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia2009n=2,016
A Cochrane meta-analysis of ginkgo for cognitive impairment and dementia (2,016 participants) found significant but modest cognitive benefits versus placebo with good safety.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 2,016
RCTGinkgo biloba for preventing cognitive decline in older adults: a randomized trial2009n=1,545
In 3,069 community-dwelling adults aged 72–96, ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice daily for median 6.1 years did not reduce rate of global cognitive decline versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 120 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 1,545
- Ages
- 72–96
RCTGinkgo biloba for prevention of dementia: a randomized controlled trial2008n=2,587
In 2,587 elderly adults with normal cognition or MCI followed median 6.1 years, ginkgo biloba 120 mg twice daily did not reduce all-cause dementia or Alzheimer incidence versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6.1 years
- Dose
- 120 mg 2×/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 2,587
- Avg age
- ~75
RCTEffects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 on neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia: findings from a randomised controlled trial2007n=400
In 400 dementia patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms, ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day for 22 weeks significantly improved cognitive and behavioral scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 22 weeks
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Participants
- 400
ObservationalVasodilators and nootropics as predictors of dementia and mortality in the PAQUID cohort2007
In 3,534 elderly PAQUID cohort participants over 13 years, ginkgo biloba extract use was not associated with reduced dementia incidence or mortality after adjustment.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 13 years
- Population
- Older adults
- Ages
- 65+
RCTGinkgo biloba and donepezil: a comparison in the treatment of Alzheimer's dementia in a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study2006
In Alzheimer patients aged 50–80, ginkgo EGb 761 was comparably effective to donepezil for slowing cognitive decline over 24 weeks in a double-blind trial versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 160 mg/day
- Population
- Dementia patients
- Ages
- 50–80
RCTA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of two doses of Ginkgo biloba extract in dementia of the Alzheimer's type2005
In 513 Alzheimer disease outpatients, ginkgo biloba extract at two doses for 26 weeks did not significantly improve ADAS-Cog scores versus placebo in the primary analysis.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 26 weeks
- Dose
- 120–240 mg/day GbE
- Population
- Older adults
MetaGinkgo biloba compared with cholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of dementia: a review based on meta-analyses by the cochrane collaboration2004
A Cochrane-based comparison found ginkgo biloba and cholinesterase inhibitors produced similar modest cognitive benefits in dementia at 6 months, with ginkgo having fewer dropouts.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 5–10 mg
- Population
- Dementia patients
RCTGinkgo for elderly people with dementia and age-associated memory impairment: a randomized clinical trial2003n=87
In 87 patients with dementia or age-associated memory impairment, ginkgo EGb 761 240 mg/day for 24 weeks significantly improved cognitive test scores versus placebo.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 240 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 87
RCTA 26-week analysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 in dementia2000n=309
At 26-week intent-to-treat analysis of 309 dementia patients, ginkgo EGb 761 120 mg/day showed modest but significant ADAS-Cog improvement versus placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 26 weeks
- Dose
- 40 mg 3×/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 309
MetaCholinesterase inhibitors and Gingko extracts--are they comparable in the treatment of dementia? Comparison of published placebo-controlled efficacy studies of at least six months' duration2000
A comparison of published placebo-controlled trials found ginkgo EGb 761 produced ADAS-Cog improvements similar in magnitude to donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine at 6 months.
- Effect
- Benefit
Alpha-GPCView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Taking alpha-GPC by injection daily for 3 months may help thinking, mood, and daily functioning in people with mild to moderate vascular dementia.
- One small study found it worked about as well as another treatment called CDP.
- It is unclear how it compares to usual treatments.
Browse 1 study
RCTA multicentre trial to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine versus cytosine diphosphocholine in patients with vascular dementia1991n=120
90-day open RCT in 120 vascular dementia patients given 1 g/day IM alpha-GPC versus CDP-choline found both improved symptoms, with alpha-GPC rated more effective on most psychometric tests.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 90 days
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Patients with depression
- Participants
- 120
Panax GinsengView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Panax ginseng has only been tested together with other ingredients, so it is not clear how well ginseng alone helps vascular dementia.
- In a small study with older patients, taking a supplement containing ginseng, ginkgo, and saffron (SaiLuoTong) three times a day for 16 weeks slightly improved thinking skills, daily activities, and quality of life compared to placebo.
- These benefits went away after stopping the supplement.
Browse 1 study
RCTA pilot randomized controlled trial of WeiNaoKang (SaiLuoTong) in treating vascular dementia2022n=11
In 62 vascular dementia patients, WeiNaoKang (ginkgo, ginseng, saffron) for 16 weeks reduced ADAS-cog scores 4.18 points versus 1.18 with placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 16 weeks
- Population
- Patients with Alzheimer's disease
- Participants
- 11
- Avg age
- 74±7.2
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ginkgo | ★★★★★68% | 31 | 15 | 94% |
| Alpha-GPC | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 3% |
| Panax Ginseng | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 3% |