Nature’s Memory-Loss Fighter

Most mainstream doctors say memory loss is a natural part of aging.

They’ll tell you that getting older is associated with a greater likelihood of developing memory loss.

And that about 40% of people aged 65 or older have age-associated memory impairment.1

But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve long known that curcumin — a powerhouse nutrient that I’ve recommended for years — has incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

And now exciting new research shows that curcumin works in the brain to dramatically boost cognitive function, memory and mood in middle-aged and older adults.

Curcumin’s Proven Brain-Enhancing Boost

As reported in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, researchers at a prestigious California university gave curcumin to 40 adults ages 51 to 84 who had mild memory problems.

Those who took curcumin twice a day showed a remarkable 28% improvement in cognitive memory tests and improvements in mood.2 Those who didn’t take curcumin had no significant memory improvements.

But here’s something even more remarkable.

Brain PET scans of the subjects who took curcumin showed almost no presence of two important brain proteins — amyloid and tau — in the amygdala and hypothalamus regions of the brain.

Those are the two regions of your brain that control several important memory functions.

And the presence of amyloid “plaques” and tau “tangles” are considered an early marker of Alzheimer’s disease.

No wonder the study’s lead researcher concluded that “curcumin could provide meaningful cognitive benefits over the years.”

But that’s not all.

An earlier trial showed that curcumin was just as effective as Prozac in treating patients with major depressive disorder — but without the serious side effects of prescription antidepressants.3

And in yet another study of healthy adults aged 60-85, researchers at a California university found that curcumin

improved cognitive function and helped restore a general sense of well-being, calmness and contentedness.4

What to Look for in a Curcumin Supplement

Curcumin is found in turmeric, the Indian spice that gives curries and other Indian dishes their bright yellowish color.

But to get the maximum benefit from this miracle spice, I advise my readers to find a quality curcumin supplement.

As more and more manufacturers have entered the market, they’ve flooded it with more and more ineffective supplements. Here’s what to look for in your curcumin supplement:

  1. Take a medicinal dose. For optimal results, choose a supplement with at least 90% curcuminoids. I recommend 500-1,000 mg per day.
  2. Make sure it contains piperine. This black pepper extract’s been shown to boost your body’s absorption of curcumin by an amazing 2,000%.5
  3. Check the other ingredients. The health benefits of curcumin are magnified when it’s combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs and spices. Three of the most powerful are ginger root extract, holy basil powder and galangal root powder.

Add This Early-Morning Memory Booster

Paleo Curcumin Coffee

Paleo coffee helps boost memory.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of black coffee
  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
  • Dash of black pepper
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk or almond milk
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil or MCT oil
  • 1 tsp. of Ceylon cinnamon powder

Directions:

  1. Brew a cup of coffee as you usually do.
  2. Add the next four ingredients and stir.
  3. Top with cinnamon — and enjoy.

To Your Good Health,

Al Sears, MD

Al Sears, MD, CNS

References

1. Small G. “What we need to know about age related memory loss.” BMJ. 2002;324(7352):1502–1505.
2. Small GW, et al. “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.” Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2018;26(3):266-277.
3. Sanmukhani J, et al. “Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial.” Phytother Res. 2013;28(4):579-585.
4. Cox K, et al. “Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population.” J Psychopharmacol. 2015;29(5):642-651.
5. Shoba G, et al. “Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers.” Planta Med. 1998;64(4):353-356.