Alzheimer’s Disease and the Neuroprotective Effects of Dietary Curcumin

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible and debilitating brain disorder that progressively decreases cognitive function. This disease is currently the 6 th leading cause of death in the U.S. More recently, this ranking may have increased to the 3 rd most common cause of death among persons over 60 years of age. Research has determined that a hallmark occurrence of Alzheimer's disease is the deposition of amyloid-beta protein plaques and tau proteins within the parenchyma of the brain. Given the disease's extreme effects on the brain and specifically on cognitive function, the FDA has approved medications that continue to provide improvement in cognitive function and ability. Researchers have recently discovered the efficacy of the herb curcumin (turmeric) whose effect is via its ability to destroy amyloid-beta plaques and increase cognitive ability in patients with Alzheimer's disease.Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Amyloid-beta plaques; Curcumin; Turmeric; Cognitive function Alzheimer's Disease and the Neuroprotective Effects of Dietary Curcumin 2/5