Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder characterized by memory loss, personality changes and difficulty learning new tasks. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is the most common form of dementia and affects five million Americans. It occurs when levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that transmit messages, decline. There is no cure for this condition, but drugs such as memantine and cholinesterase inhibitors help to slow disease progression. The common cooking spice turmeric may also play a role in Alzheimer's treatment, although evidence to prove this is limited. Don't use turmeric in place of Alzheimer's medicines and get medical advice before including it in your treatment plan.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Commonly used to flavor cooking and as a clothes dye, turmeric is a bitter-tasting plant native to parts of Asia and Africa. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, it is used as a medicinal remedy in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions, including arthritis, irregular menstruation and eczema. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds that it may boost cognitive function, although evidence to show it can help people with Alzheimer's disease is weak. Its main constituent, a compound known as curcumin, is likely responsible for turmeric's therapeutic effects.
Administration
The roots and underground stems are dried and used to make a powder. However, you may also take turmeric as a liquid extract or tea if you prefer. Guidance regarding a suitable dose for Alzheimer's disease is lacking; however, your doctor may be able to advise you on an appropriate dose and treatment schedule.
Effectiveness
There is little scientific evidence to support the use of turmeric for any medical condition, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In addition, few studies have evaluated turmeric's effectiveness as an Alzheimer's disease treatment. However, animal-based research published in the November 2001 issue of the "Journal of Neuroscience" found that turmeric's active compound, curcumin, reduces brain cell damage and inhibits the formation of protein plaques, which are often present in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. More human-based studies are required to determine the effects of turmeric on Alzheimer's disease.
Safety Considerations
Turmeric is included on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's "generally recognized as safe" list, and according to Mississippi Baptist Health Systems, it is nontoxic. However, it may cause mild side effects such as a stomach upset. That said, people with gallbladder disease or liver problems should avoid turmeric. It may also heighten the effects of anticoagulant drugs, so proceed with caution if taking medicines such as warfarin or aspirin.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alzheimer's Disease
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- "Journal of Neuroscience"; The Curry Spice Curcumin Reduces Oxidative Damage and Amyloid Pathology in an Alzheimer Transgenic Mouse; J.P.Lim, et al.; November 2001
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Turmeric
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