CAN TURMERIC ASSIST IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PREVENTION?
Eric Madrid MD
A brain ailment called Alzheimer’s disease typically affects elderly persons. Named after German psychiatrist Dr. Aloysium “Alois” Alzheimer, who in 1906 identified dementia in a woman who had passed away from a “strange mental ailment.” Alzheimer’s has no known cure and can be extremely frustrating and difficult for both patients and caregivers.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease include forgetting names and bewilderment, but later stages can lead to more serious problems, including paranoia and abusive conduct. Less than 1% of cases of Alzheimer’s disease are diagnosed in persons under the age of 65, but after that age, one in nine people is thought to be at risk, according to scientists.
The buildup of a protein known as amyloid beta (or Aβ) in the brain is thought to be the primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss and other Alzheimer’s symptoms are brought on by the A protein, which develops a form of “scar tissue” in the brain. The key to avoiding and perhaps even reversing this crippling condition may be preventing A protein from depositing itself.
SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER’S INCLUDE:
· Aphasia, trouble speaking and understanding words,
· Memory loss, impacted current memory, long-term memory persists (amnesia)
· Having trouble recalling names of objects (anomia)
· Misusing things (apraxia)
RISK FACTORS include using tobacco, eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables, having high blood pressure, being physically inactive, being 65 or older, having diabetes, and having a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Family history may also play a role, as evidenced by the presence of the apolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4) gene; 25% of cases seem to be hereditary. This means 75% are non-hereditary.
Alzheimer’s disease and turmeric
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research in April 2018 found that turmeric can have a big impact on maintaining brain health. Turmeric, often referred to as Curcuma longa and Indian saffron, is a rooted plant in the ginger family that is popularly used for its digestive health, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Numerous health advantages are attributed to curcumin, the turmeric root’s main ingredient. For more than 4,000 years, many people have used turmeric as a spice to improve the flavor of their cuisine.
A 2018 study found that turmeric:
· Reduces the production of Aβ.
· Prevents Aβ deposition in the brain
· Increases Aβ elimination from the brain.
· Increases glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that prevents the aging of brain cells.
· Lessens oxidative damage to the brain
· Decreases inflammation in the brain.
The aforementioned factors all support brain health. The study’s authors go on to say that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory capabilities are extremely important in aiding in the brain’s defense against different traumas that lead to Alzheimer’s disease.
This may help to explain why populations in Asia and India have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease than those in Europe and North America, as turmeric use is more prevalent in these regions’ diets.
Lastly, a 2021 study concluded that “ Medicinal plants have great potential as part of an overall program in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.”
You can consume turmeric as a spice, as hot tea, or as a supplement. The recommended daily supplement dose is 500–1,500 mg, taken once or up to three times per day.
WARNING: If you are using blood thinners, talk to your doctor because turmeric may have a tiny tendency to thin the blood.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any questions.
Sources:
National Institute of Aging. Accessed Aug. 27, 2016 https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
Chen M, Du Z-Y, Zheng X, Li D-L, Zhou R-P, Zhang K. Use of curcumin in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regeneration Research. April 2018;13(4):742–752.
Gregory J, Vengalasetti YV, Bredesen DE, Rao RV. Neuroprotective Herbs for the Management of Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomolecules. 2021 Apr 8;11(4):543. doi: 10.3390/biom11040543. PMID: 33917843; PMCID: PMC8068256.
