In the largest clinical trial ever specifically designed to test a drug or supplement for Alzheimer's prevention, researchers at the University of Virginia say ginkgo biloba failed to ward off the effects of dementia.

Gingko is a unique species of tree, indigenous to China, with no close living relatives. Earlier research has suggested that ginkgo extract possessed an ability to protect brain cells from amyloid-beta plaque formation, an affliction of Alzheimer's disease.

But the eight-year University of Virginia study found no such protection. Researchers randomly assigned 3,000 people — average age 79 — to take two ginkgo pills daily or two placebos. All of the participants were free of Alzheimer's disease or other neurological ailments at the start of the study.

After an average of six years, scientists found that roughly the same number of people taking the supplement or the placebo developed dementia, usually Alzheimer's.

"This is tremendously disappointing," said study co-author Steven DeKosky, a neurologist.

GET ME THAT. STAT!

The combined cost of recommended childhood vaccines tripled between 2000 and 2008 to roughly $1,500 per child, a price rise that has effectively reduced the number of children receiving the immunizations and raised fears of renewed outbreaks of measles, chickenpox and other childhood diseases.

NUMBER CRUNCHER

A single serving of taco salad (1 12 cups or 198 grams) contains 279 calories, 133 from fat. That's 23 percent of the recommended total fat intake for a 2,000-calorie daily diet.

It also contains 44 milligrams of cholesterol (15 percent); 762 mg of sodium (32 percent); 23 grams of total carbohydrates (8 percent); and 13g of protein.

PHOBIA OF THE WEEK

Paralipophobia — fear of neglecting duty or responsibility.

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

When you laugh, you expel a short burst of air up to 70 miles per hour.

STORIES FOR THE WAITING ROOM

In a 16-week study, researchers found that obese patients who were simply offered money for every pound shed were more effective at losing weight than those who were just given standard diet advice. Unfortunately, many of the paid dieters put the pounds back on when the study — and the cash — ended.

MEDTRONICA

Nephrology Channel

nephrologychannel.com

A one-stop source for kidney information, from various kidney-related ailments (some you've never heard of) to treatments and breaking news.

OBSERVATION

We longed for a child all these years and now we are very happy to have one in the twilight years of our life.

— Rajo Devi of Hisar, India, who gave birth (with the help of in vitro fertilization) to a girl at age 70

LAST WORDS

Doctor, do you think it could have been the sausage?

— French poet Paul Claudel (1868-1955)

To find out more about Scott Lafee and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.