Slows Growth of Alzheimer's Proteins
The second study was carried out by researchers from UCLA and published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in January, 2018. It was the first to test a new, more bioavailable form of the supplement over a longer time frame. 40 volunteers aged between 51 and 84 without dementia but with mild memory complaints took curcumin or placebo every day for 18 months. They were all given standard cognitive assessments at the beginning of the trial and then again every six months. 30 also undertook brain scans to see if there were any changes in levels of amyloid and tau in the hypothalamus and amygdala. These are key areas for memory and emotion. The researchers found a 28% improvement in memory in the curcumin group over 18 months. Those taking the placebo saw no benefits. The supplement takers also had better attention abilities and mild mood improvements. Brain scans of those taking curcumin showed significantly less amyloid and tau accumulation than the placebo group. How does the substance work? Dr. Gary Small, who led the trial, says we can’t be sure. "Exactly how curcumin exerts its effects is not certain, but it may be due to its ability to reduce brain inflammation, which has been linked to both Alzheimer's disease and major depression. "These results suggest that taking this relatively safe form of curcumin could provide meaningful cognitive benefits over the years."Two Different Forms of Curcumin Were Used
The new forms used in the studies were Theracurmin in the first and Longvida in the second. To make Theracumin, curcumin is first made soluble with a vegetable gum, then ground into microscopic particles before being homogenized and suspended in solution. Longivida uses a special coating of fatty acids and phospholipids which allow curcumin to enter the lymphatic system and be retained in the body. Both are available online under various brand names.