Ancient Spice May Prevent Alzheimer’s

Early research offers hope that two regularly available compounds – used together – may combat Alzheimer’s disease.

The research comes from Dr. Milan Fiala at UCLA. He earned his MD at the University of Geneva, Switzerland and obtained an MSc from Harvard. He’s spent the last decade researching Alzheimer’s disease. In 2008 he was given the “Alzheimer Award” by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

He believes a simple dietary combo may help prevent Alzheimer’s.

Ancient Source of Hope

Over the last decade Dr. Fiala has been researching curcumin and how it may combat Alzheimer’s.

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, the yellow spice that gives its color to most Indian curried dishes. It has been used for centuries in Indian medicine.

Now curcumin is catching on in the western world. Researchers have studied its benefits for over a decade. They have found it to be a powerful anti-inflammatory.

But its best gift may be to Alzheimer’s patients.

Dr. Jenny Brockis, Principle GP at Ocean Reef Family Medicine Practice, says there’s a strong clue as to why.

Alzheimer’s disease is pretty rare in India. In fact, one study showed that it occurs in less than one percent of people in India. Why is this? Dr. Brockis says that it’s all about diet.

“It is due to curcumin,” says Dr. Brockis. “And in India a huge amount of turmeric is consumed in curries on a daily basis.”

Lab Research Supports Theories

Dr. Fiala has spent the last 10 years testing this out in the lab. He’s published several studies that show it protect brain cells from dying. He believes it fights Alzheimer’s.

Now he’s made another big breakthrough. One that combines curcumin with a safe vitamin – a combo he believes delivers powerful protection.

We’ll find out what that vitamin is on Friday… and look at how curcumin combats Alzheimer’s.

To your health,

Ian Robinson,
Managing Editor
NHD “Health Watch”