According to a June 2002 review in "American Family Physician," once you reach the age of 60 your risk for developing Alzheimer's disease doubles every five years. Medications designed to treat Alzheimer's slow its progression in 25 to 30 percent of patients, but no treatment has been shown to prevent or cure this disorder. It is no wonder that people consider alternative means, such as turmeric, to prevent Alzheimer's disease, even though such remedies have not been shown to be beneficial. Ask your doctor if turmeric is appropriate for you.
Cause
The cause of Alzheimer's disease is unknown. A June 2010 review in "Molecular Neurobiology" describes a cascade of physiologic events leading to the accumulation of abnormal substances -- beta-amyloid and tau proteins -- in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. These proteins trigger inflammatory and oxidative responses which disrupt nerve function and cause the destruction of nerve cells. The changes that eventually end in a loss of mental function take years to unfold.
Turmeric
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, turmeric is used by Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western herbalists to treat arthritis, menstrual irregularities, digestive disorders, ulcers, eczema and even cancer, although turmeric has not been proven to prevent or cure any medical condition. Scientists at the Geriatric Research and Clinical Center in Los Angeles report that curcumin, the bright yellow-orange pigment found in the root of the turmeric plant, does possess anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloid and antioxidant properties.
Curcumin and Amyloid
A study published in the February 2005 issue of "The Journal of Biological Chemistry" showed that curcumin inhibits the formation of neurofibrillary tangles, which are collections of beta-amyloid protein, in both tissue culture and in animal models of Alzheimer's. Neurofibrillary tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer's; they are found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients who undergo autopsy. Notably, the authors of this study demonstrated that anti-amyloid benefits were seen even at low blood levels of curcumin.
Considerations
Neither turmeric nor curcumin has been shown to prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease. A June 2009 "Alternative Medicine Review" reported that curcumin's therapeutic uses are limited by its poor intestinal absorption and its rapid clearance from your bloodstream. Modified curcumin formulations -- phosphatidylcholine- or piperine-containing preparations -- improve its absorption. Single doses of curcumin up to 12 grams have been administered to human subjects without adverse effects, and doses of 4 to 8 grams daily have been used in several clinical trials. A phosphatidylcholine-curcumin preparation containing 450 mg of curcumin appeared to be equivalent to 4 grams of unbound curcumin in one study. No dosage of turmeric or curcumin has been established for use in any medical condition.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Guidelines for Managing Alzheimer's Disease: Part I. Assessment; J.L. Cummngs, et al.; June 2002
- "American Family Physician"; Guidelines for Managing Alzheimer's Disease: Part II. Treatment; J.L. Cummings, et al.; June 2002
- "Molecular Neurobiology"; Why Pleiotropic Interventions Are Needed for Alzheimer's Disease; S.A. Frautschy, G.M. Cole; June 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Turmeric
- "The Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Curcumin Inhibits Formation of Amyloid ß Oligomers and Fibrils, Binds Plaques, and Reduces Amyloid in Vivo; F. Yang, et al.; February 2005
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Anti-inflammatory Properties of Curcumin, a Major Constituent of Curcuma longa: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Research; J.S. Jurenka; June 2009
