Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that generally affects older adults. The condition, which was named after Dr. Aloysium “Alois” Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist who in 1906 diagnosed dementia in a woman who had died from a “strange mental illness”. Alzheimer’s has no specific cure and can cause enormous frustration and challenges to both patient and caretakers alike. Symptoms include forgetting names and confusion in the early stages while late-stage Alzheimer’s can give way to more severe issues, like paranoia and abusive behavior. Fewer than one percent of the Alzheimer’s disease cases occur prior to the age of 65, but scientists predict that after 65, one in nine people are at risk.
Alzheimer’s is believed to be caused by the deposition of a protein in the brain called amyloid Beta (or Aβ). TheAβprotein creates a type of “scar tissue” in the brain, which results in memory loss and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s. PreventingAβ proteinfrom depositing itself may be the answer to both preventing and possibly reversing this debilitating disease.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s
Trouble with words and speech (aphasia)Difficulty making decisions (agnosia)Memory loss, recent memory affected, long-term memory remains (amnesia)Trouble remembering the names of things (anomia)Misusing objects (apraxia)
Trouble with words and speech (aphasia)
Difficulty making decisions (agnosia)
Memory loss, recent memory affected, long-term memory remains (amnesia)
Trouble remembering the names of things (anomia)
Misusing objects (apraxia)
Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s
Tobacco useDiet low in fruits and vegetablesHigh blood pressurePhysical inactivityAge 65 or olderDiabetesHistory of traumatic brain injury (TBI)Family history: 25 percent of cases appear to be genetic, having theapolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4) gene
Tobacco use
Diet low in fruits and vegetables
High blood pressure
Physical inactivity
Age 65 or older
Diabetes
History of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Family history: 25 percent of cases appear to be genetic, having theapolipoprotein E-e4 (APOE-e4) gene
Turmeric and Alzheimer’s disease
According to an April 2018 study inNeural Regeneration Research,turmericcan play a significant role in keeping the brain healthy. Also known asCurcuma longaand Indian saffron, turmeric is a rooted plant of the ginger family, often consumed for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health properties.
Curcumin,  the active chemical found in the turmeric root, is believed to provide many of the health benefits. Many people have used turmeric as a spice to enhance their food’s taste for over 4,000 years.
According to a 2018 study, Turmeric:
ReducesAβProductionStopsAβdeposition in the brainIncreases removal of theAβfrom the brainIncreases glutathione in the brain, a potent antioxidantStops brain cells from agingReduces oxidative damage to the brainReduces inflammation in the brain
ReducesAβProduction
StopsAβdeposition in the brain
Increases removal of theAβfrom the brain
Increases glutathione in the brain, a potent antioxidant
Stops brain cells from aging
Reduces oxidative damage to the brain
Reduces inflammation in the brain
All the above help keep the brain healthy.  The authors of the study go on to mention that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties play a crucial role in helping to protect the brain against various assaults which cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Since turmeric is more common in the diets of those who live in Asia and India, this may explain why these populations have fewer incidences of Alzheimer’s disease compared to those in Europe and North America.
Turmeric can be consumed as aspice,hot teaor insupplement form.  The suggested supplement dose is 500 to 1,000 mg once or twice per day.
Learn more about otherNatural Approaches to Alzheimer’s disease.
CAUTION: If you are on blood thinners, consult with your physician as turmeric may have slight blood thinning properties.