The effect of curcumin on cognition in Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: A systematic review of pre-clinical and clinical studies

S. D. Voulgaropoulou*, T. A. M. J. van Amelsvoort, J. Prickaerts, C. Vingerhoets

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal(Systematic) Review article peer-review

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease constitutes a growing cause of cognitive impairment in aging population. Given that current treatments do not produce the desired therapeutic effects, the need for finding alternative biological and pharmacological approaches is critical. Accumulating evidence suggests inflammatory and oxidative stress responses as potential causal factors of cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging. Curcumin has received increased interest due to its unique molecular structure that targets inflammatory and antioxidant pathways as well as (directly) amyloid aggregation; one of the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, this review summarizes preclinical and clinical findings on curcumin as a potential cognitive enhancer in Alzheimer's disease and normal aging. Databases used for literature searches include PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science; in addition, clinicaltrials.gov was used to search for clinical studies. Overall, animal research has shown very promising results in potentiating cognition, both physiologically and behaviourally. However, human studies are limited and results are less consistent, complicating their interpretation. These inconsistencies may be related to differences in methodology and the included population. Taking into account measurements of important inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, optimal dosages of curcumin, food interactions, and duration of treatment would increase our understanding on curcumins promising effects on cognition. In addition, increasing curcumin's bioavailability could benefit future research.

Original languageEnglish
Article number146476
Number of pages14
JournalBrain Research
Volume1725
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Dec 2019

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Aging
  • Curcumin (curcuma longa)
  • Cognition
  • Preclinical studies
  • Clinical trials
  • GALACTOSE-INDUCED SENESCENCE
  • SOLID LIPID CURCUMIN
  • DOUBLE-BLIND
  • MOUSE MODEL
  • NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS
  • ADULT NEUROGENESIS
  • AMYLOID PATHOLOGY
  • OXIDATIVE DAMAGE
  • SPICE CURCUMIN
  • RAT MODEL

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effect of curcumin on cognition in Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging: A systematic review of pre-clinical and clinical studies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this