In the search for a cure, or even a step in the right direction, when it comes to dementia and Alzheimer’s, the most unusual and least likely of remedies has been found; however, it may not be for those with a weak palate.
A key ingredient in yellow curry spice, turmeric may be the answer to healing the brains of those with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, according to recent research.
Extensive lab testing has shown that aromatic turmerone, which is one of the larger key components of yellow turmeric, can actually help to promote the proliferation of brain stem cells and their overall development into healthy neurons.
It may seem like turning to this naturally found ingredient is a last ditch effort to find something to aid in the eradication of this deadly illness, but when you know the science behind it, it’s actually a great find and a positive for fighting Alzheimer’s as a whole. This is because there are a limited number of drugs that do what this ingredient does in terms of healing the brain, and the side effects and cost are night and day in comparison.
Scientists have examined the overall effect of aromatic turmerone and how it directly influences endogenous neutral stem cells (NSCs) that are found in the adult brain. This is important because NSCs’ are what transform over time and become neurons. Neurons are essential to recovery in the brain, especially in those with neurodegenerative diseases.
Depending on the concentrations of the turmeric, it has the ability to boost regeneration of NSCs by up to 80 percent, while also speeding up the amount of time it takes for them to fully mature. There is sufficient evidence to support and show that turmeric can expand and strengthen the subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampus portions of the brain.
These results are astounding, especially when it is also a known fact that aromatic turmerone is the lesser researched of the two compounds found in turmeric. The other is curcumin, which is known to help with inflammation and has some anti-cancer qualities as well.
Now, these comprehensive results show great strides in the efforts being taken in the medical field to help battle back against age-related illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. That is to say that there is so much more to be done, but knowing that this naturally-occurring compound could play a significant role is nothing but a positive.