[The situation of patients with dementia may be rectified by Ginkgo biloba. Results of a health services research study concerning the ability of patients with dementia, quality of life of the nursing family members and total treatment costs].
BACKGROUND AND ISSSUES: Ginkgo biloba-extracts are often used in therapy of patients with dementia. In this study, benefit and structure of Ginkgo biloba-extract EGb 761 in treatment of patients with dementia was examined.


METHODS
For the assessment of quality of life of care-taking relatives and patients as well as treatment costs were documented. The study was conducted as a non-randomised, two-armed cohort study with an open design for 683 slightly or moderately demented patients, aged between 65 and 80 years. Society's perspective was taken. Barthel-Index and MMST were also documented. Because of significant differences at inclusion of both cohorts, a matched-pairs-analysis and multiple regression analysis conducted.


RESULTS
According to PLC a significant improvement in quality-of-life of care-taking relatives (p < 0.001) and patients (positive mood p = 0.018, negative mood p < 0.001) was only observed in the Ginkgo-cohort. Also Barthel-Index indicated an improvement in the Ginkgo-cohort (p < or = 0,001). MMST-scores increased significantly only in the Ginkgo-cohort (p < 0.001). Average total cost per patient amounted to 3.614,75 euro in the standard-cohort, whereas these costs per patient in the Ginkgo-cohort amounted to 3.031,78 euro (p = 0.067). Results were confirmed by matched-pairs-analysis.


RESULTS
Ginkgo treatment has a valid place in caretaking structure of health services. Gingko attributes to a higher quality of life for both care-takers and patients, the progression of disease is slowed down and treatment costs are lower.
Heinen-Kammerer
T
T
Institut für Empirische Gesundheitsökonomie, Burscheid.
Motzkat
K
K
Daniel
D
D
Gertz
H J
HJ
Koller
M
M
Lorenz
W
W
Pilartz
H
H
Zimmer
B
B
Habs
M
M
von den Driesch
V
V
Rychlik
R
R
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D020441:Ginkgo biloba; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000523:psychology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract
D010936:Plant Extracts; C063170:Ginkgo biloba extract; D000096983:Ginkgo Extract