can a previous stroke hurry along the onset of alzheimers

My father had a stoke 5 yrs ago at  the age of 43 alzheimers runs in the family.  He's showing some signs of possible alzheimers.  The only problem that he's shown from the stroke is short term memeory loss.  We're having problems figuring out if it's the stroke or the onset of alzheimers.  Can the herb ginko biloba help with his memeory or would it interact with the blood thinners that he's on for the stroke? Any suggestions or help you could offer would be of great help

[HFHS MD-JM]

Celincat,

        Alzheimers dementia is only one type of many causes of dementia.  It is the most common cause of dementia in those 65 yrs of age and older.  Strokes( cerebral vascular accidents) are also a very common cause of dementia.  Memory loss by itself does not constitute dementia so if this is your fathers only impairment then its not dementia.  Please clarify this issue further with your physician.  Ginko biloba, an herbal medicine, has been shown to be somewhat helpful in dementia as it may improve cognition or stabilize it.  More research in this area needs to be done.  Ginko biloba may have an interaction with coumadin therefore you should alert your physician if you desire a trial.  Hope this was helpful.  Good luck.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords:  Dementia, Alzheimers disease