Is an ancient Chinese herb a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease? That's what the federal government is studying right now. 7Healthcast reporter Dr. Deanna Lites has more.
Mary Lou Grillo, 73, has been undergoing frequent memory testing since participating in a study of a Chinese herb for Alzheimer's Disease.
Mary Lou Grillo, study participant
"I enjoyed it… I felt like I was doing something of importance."
The national institutes of health is sponsoring the trial of Huperzine A, derived from Chinese club moss.
Dr. Kerri Wilks, study investigator
"And the medication has been used in China for centuries as part of an ancient herbal Chinese remedy."
Dr. Kerri Wilks is the principal investigator.
"This is the first study that has looked at this medication outside of China."
For the first six months study patients are given either 200 micrograms twice a day, 400 micrograms twice a day or a placebo. For the next six months, all participants are given Huperzine A.
Mary Lou Grillo, study participant
"I noticed my memory. I was able to retain a lot of the memory."
No results of the study are available because it's ongoing. Dr. Wilks says this herb is similar to the approved Alzheimer's Drug, Aricept.
Dr. Deanna Lites, 7News.
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