Other Treatment

Treatment with the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba to improve mental functioning is considered experimental.

Other therapies, such as light therapy, aromatherapy, and exercise, may help reduce behaviors such as agitation but should only be done with supervision.

Other Treatment Choices

• Ginkgo biloba. Many people take ginkgo biloba to improve or preserve memory. But studies have not shown that ginkgo biloba helps improve memory or prevent dementia.¹² Ginkgo biloba is widely used in Europe to treat age-related dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
• Aromatherapy. Researchers are studying the use of aromatherapy oils, such as lavender, rosemary, and lemon, to reduce significant agitation in people who have dementia.¹³ But more research is needed to prove its effectiveness.
• Light therapy. This treatment is often used to relieve depression. It may help reduce depression, agitation, and sleeplessness associated with Alzheimer's disease. The person is exposed to either natural light or artificial light for several hours every morning or at night to reduce depression.
• Exercise. Gentle exercise, such as walking or swimming, can also relieve symptoms of depression associated with Alzheimer's disease. Exercise is most effective when it is combined with teaching caregivers how to work through behavioral problems with the person who has Alzheimer's disease.

Another way a caregiver can try to reduce agitation is to play soothing music for the person who has Alzheimer's disease, during meals and when the caregiver is helping with bathing.

What to Think About

As with other new drugs in development, other treatments for Alzheimer's disease such as ginkgo biloba need further study. Their effectiveness and possible side effects are not yet fully known. Talk to your doctor before you decide to try any herbal therapies, supplements, or nonprescription treatments.