Turmeric & Alzheimer's Prevention

Scientists discover more benefits of various spices and herbs each day. Turmeric demonstrates promise in helping people ward off Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease destroys people's mind because of the increase in amyloid plaques and neurofibratory tangles in their brain.

Alzheimer's Disease

• Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It progresses over time. The symptoms of the disease include problems with thinking, memory and behavior. According to the Alzheimer's Association, as of July 2009, over 5.3 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. As you age, your chances of developing the disease increase. The document "Medicare and Medicaid Costs for People With Alzheimer's Disease" projects that spending for this population will increase to $49.3 billion in 2010, an increase of 54.5 percent.
  The brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease has beta-amyloid plaques. In order to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease, you must find a way to prevent the build-up of these abnormal proteins. Over time the plaque build-up will cause inflammation of nerves. The nerves cannot communicate with other parts of the brain, and eventually brain cells die. As a result the Alzheimer's disease sufferer displays memory loss, thinking difficulties and behavior problems.

Turmeric

• According to the American Journal of Epidemiology, people who live in India rarely develop Alzheimer's disease because they consume lots of curry. Curry powder always contains turmeric. Always consult your doctor before taking any new spice or herb.)
  Turmeric is an antioxidant, is anti-inflammatory and is fat dissolving. As a result, less beta amyloid plaques form, less free radicals are seen and there is less hardening of the arteries.
  Taking up to 10 grams per day is safe. In a human trial with people using up to 8 g of turmeric a day for 4 months, no toxicity occurred. The study, "Safety and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Curcumin Component of Turmeric," is reported in the September 2003 edition of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
  Taking low doses over a long period of time is best. Absorption appears to be better with food.
  No serious side effects of turmeric have been reported thus far. Long-term use in high doses causes liver toxicity. For this reason, avoid turmeric products if you are a heavy drinker, take prescription drugs metabolized by the liver or have liver disease.