Turmeric Indian spice strengthens the memory

Researchers are studying the effects of curcumin on memory

When people take a special form of curcumin every day, this consumption can improve memory and mood. This will certainly delight especially lovers of Indian cuisine, because in Curcumin many Indian dishes are included and this helps to their typical bright yellowish color.

The researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found in their current research that curcumin contributes to improving the memory and mood of people with mild, age-related memory deficits. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry".

Turmeric is often used as a spice in Indian cuisine. Turmeric also seems to have positive effects on memory and mood. (Image: Printemps / fotolia.com)

How does curcumin affect plaques in the brain??

In their research, the experts examined the effects of consuming an easily absorbed curcumin supplement on memory performance in people without dementia. In addition, the possible influence on the so-called microscopic plaques in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease was also analyzed.

Other beneficial effects of curcumin on health

Previous studies have already found that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Experts have suggested that older people in India have a lower prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and better cognitive performance because curcumin is a staple and consumed daily. For example, another study found that the yellowish spice is as healthy for the vessels as it is for sport.

Curcumin can reduce encephalitis

"It is not clear how curcumin works, but it may be due to its properties, which reduce the brain inflammation associated with both Alzheimer's disease and major depression," explains Dr. Gary Small in a press release from the University of California.

The study participants were between the ages of 50 and 90 years

The placebo-controlled study included a total of 40 adult subjects between the ages of 50 and 90 who had mild memory problems. Participants were randomized into two groups and either took placebo or 90 mg of curcumin twice daily for a period of 18 months.

During the study, various measurements were made

All 40 subjects received standardized cognitive assessments at baseline and at six month intervals. At the beginning of the study and after the 18 months, blood curcumin levels were also measured. Thirty of the volunteers also underwent so-called positron emission tomography (PET) scans to assess the levels of amyloid and tau (specific protein deposits associated with Alzheimer's disease, for example) in their brains at baseline and 18 months later to determine.

Curcumin-consuming subjects achieved better results in memory tests

The people taking curcumin experienced a significant improvement in their memory and attention skills compared to placebo taking subjects. In memory tests, the results of the curcumin taking participants improved by 28 percent.

In addition, the mood of these subjects also increased slightly and brain scans showed less deposition of amyloid and tau in the amygdala and the hypothalamus compared to the placebo group. Amygdala and hypothalamus are regions of the brain that control multiple memory and sensory functions, the experts explain. Four volunteers from the curcumin group and two placebo participants reported mild side effects, according to the researchers. These included, for example, abdominal pain and nausea.

Further research is needed

It is planned by the researchers to conduct a follow-up study with a larger number of people. This study will include some individuals with mild depression, so that scientists can investigate whether curcumin also has antidepressant effects. A larger number of participants would also allow an analysis as to whether the memory-enhancing effect of curcumin varies according to the genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease, its age, or the extent of its cognitive problems. "The current results suggest that taking this relatively safe form of curcumin over the years could provide significant cognitive benefits," explains Dr. Small. (As)