Abstract
Curcumin (a flavonoid isolated from turmeric) affects several processes involved in neurocognitive aging. We have previously reported that short term (4-weeks) administration of a highly bioavailable curcumin preparation (Longvida©) improved working memory and reduced fatigue and stress reactivity in a healthy older cohort. The present trial (ACTRN12616000484448) was a partial replication study, evaluating similar effects at 4 and 12-weeks Longvida© supplementation. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups trial was conducted. Eighty participants aged 50–80 years (mean = 68.1, SD = 6.34) were randomised to receive Longvida© (400 mg daily containing 80 mg curcumin) or a matching placebo. Assessment took place at baseline then following 4 and 12 weeks treatment. Outcome measures included cognitive performance, mood and biomarkers. Compared with placebo, curcumin was associated with several significant effects. These included better working memory performance at 12-weeks (Serial Threes, Serial Sevens and performance on a virtual Morris Water Maze), and lower fatigue scores on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) at both 4 and 12-weeks, and of tension, anger, confusion and total mood disturbance at 4-weeks only. The curcumin group had significantly elevated blood glucose. These results confirm that Longvida© improves aspects of mood and working memory in a healthy older cohort. The pattern of results is consistent with improvements in hippocampal function and may hold promise for alleviating cognitive decline in some populations.
Highlights
The increase in the numbers of people living into old age brings with it substantial challenges to global healthcare
We conducted a double-blind randomised controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of Longvida© curcumin on cognitive function, mood and wellbeing in healthy participants aged 50 to 85 years
The trial used a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups design to investigate the effects on mood and cognitive function of 12-weeks supplementation with a bioavailability-enhanced curcumin extract, Longvida©, in healthy older adults
Summary
The increase in the numbers of people living into old age brings with it substantial challenges to global healthcare. The relative lack of success of ‘single domain’ approaches to the disorder have led to the search for strategies which reduce the risk of dementia by delaying its onset and offsetting age-related cognitive decline In this context, a number of lifestyle factors, including components of diet, have been identified as potential candidates for improving cognitive function. A subset (15/arm) underwent [18 F]FDDNP positron emission tomography (FDDNP-PET) to reveal amyloid and tau load (two key central markers of Alzheimer’s disease) Those in the curcumin group had significantly improved memory performance, along with reduced FDDNP-PET signal levels, indicating reduced amyloid and tau burden associated with curcumin treatment. To this end, we conducted a double-blind RCT examining the effects of Longvida© curcumin on cognitive function, mood and wellbeing in healthy participants aged 50 to 85 years. We hypothesised that, compared with placebo, curcumin treatment would lead to reduced fatigue, improved working memory and attenuated stress reactivity
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