Memory and Brain Amyloid and Tau Effects of a Bioavailable Form of Curcumin in Non-Demented Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled 18-Month Trial
Key Finding
Curcumin supplementation improved memory by 28% and reduced brain amyloid and tau accumulation over 18 months.
Plain-English Summary
This 18-month double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a bioavailable form of curcumin on memory and brain pathology in 40 non-demented adults aged 50-90. Participants received either 90mg of curcumin twice daily or placebo.
The curcumin group showed significant improvements in memory and attention compared to placebo. Verbal memory improved by 28% over the study period in the treatment group. Participants also reported improvements in mood and reduced fatigue.
PET brain scans revealed that curcumin treatment was associated with reduced accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in brain regions important for memory (amygdala and hypothalamus). These proteins are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease pathology. The study provides evidence that curcumin may help prevent age-related cognitive decline through both cognitive enhancement and protection against neurodegenerative processes. The bioavailable formulation used (Theracurmin) was well-tolerated.