Alzheimer’s – Can Turmeric Prevent or Reduce Symptoms?

Quick Answer: Turmeric cannot cure or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Curcumin, its key compound, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has shown promise in laboratory research and some small studies on memory in healthy older adults, but trials in people with Alzheimer's have not shown clear benefits. The strongest evidence for brain health comes from lifestyle: exercise, social connection, managing blood pressure, not smoking, good sleep and a healthy diet.

No cure currently exists for Alzheimer's, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms.

Many different studies have explored the potential role of turmeric as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Most research is centred around curcumin, which is the key compound of turmeric. Studies show that curcumin can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within the body.

Some findings have also suggested that curcumin may be able to prevent the formation of, and even break up, amyloid-beta plaques. These toxic protein clumps build up in Alzheimer's disease.

You can also explore related natural health articles on the Nature's Help blog and the Moringa Leaf blog.

Older woman doing a puzzle to support brain health — turmeric and Alzheimer's disease

What Is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting up to 70% of all people with dementia. It is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other critical mental functions.

Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other vital mental functions. Memory loss and confusion are the main symptoms.

Every person with Alzheimer's experiences the disease differently, but people tend to follow a similar trajectory from the beginning of the illness to its end.

Dementia in Australia: more than 400,000 Australians are living with dementia, and it is one of the leading causes of death in the country. Alzheimer's is one type of dementia — others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

Dr Barry Reisberg of New York University broke the progression of Alzheimer's disease into seven stages.

The 7 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Stage 1: No Impairment

Alzheimer's is not detectable, and no memory problems or other symptoms of dementia are evident.

Stage 2: Very Mild Decline

The person may have minor memory problems or lose things around the house; however, the disease is unlikely to be detected at this stage.

Stage 3: Mild Decline

A decline in cognitive function will become noticeable. Finding the right word during conversations, organising and planning, and remembering the names of new acquaintances will become difficult.

Stage 4: Moderate Decline

Clear symptoms of the disease are now visible. Difficulty with simple arithmetic, poor short-term memory and muddling details of life history are now common.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline

Support with day-to-day tasks is now needed. Symptoms include significant confusion, an inability to recall personal information and difficulty choosing appropriate clothing. However, long-term memory is generally unaffected during stage five.

Stage 6: Severe Decline

Constant supervision and professional care are needed due to confusion or unawareness of environment and surroundings, an inability to recognise faces, significant personality changes and potential behaviour problems.

Stage 7: Very Severe Decline

There is little to no ability to communicate or respond to the environment. Because the disease is a terminal illness, people in stage seven are nearing death.

Signs & Symptoms

Early warning signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease

Common symptoms of Alzheimer's including memory loss and confusion

Early signs of Alzheimer's can be subtle and are often mistaken for normal ageing. Common early warning signs include:

Memory loss that affects everyday life, such as repeatedly asking the same questions.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks, like following a recipe or managing bills.
Problems finding the right words or following a conversation.
Getting lost in familiar places or confused about the time or date.
Poor judgement, such as unusual decisions with money.
Misplacing things in unusual places and being unable to retrace steps.
Changes in mood, personality or behaviour, or withdrawing from social activities.

Normal ageing or something more? Occasionally forgetting a name and remembering it later is common as we age. When memory changes start to interfere with daily life, or family members notice changes, it's time to see a GP. For more on everyday forgetfulness, read What Causes Brain Fog and Forgetfulness? on our sister site, Nature's Help. You can also call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for free advice.

Why Turmeric or Curcumin?

There are several research studies currently being carried out looking at the possibility of turmeric being used to reduce or slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Turmeric as a whole, and the more refined compound curcumin, have been shown to have brain-protective properties due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

They regulate neurotransmitters and vital protein levels that support brain health, as well as easing anxiety and stress. One study showed that curcumin improved attention and working memory as well as easing the effects of sleep deprivation in older people (aged over 65).

With turmeric being one of the key ingredients in Asian foods, a potential correlation between Alzheimer's disease and the consumption of turmeric is also being studied, due to the low number of reported cases of Alzheimer's in some Asian countries.

What the research shows so far:

In healthy older adults: an 18-month trial of a highly absorbable curcumin found improvements in memory and attention in people aged 50–90 without dementia.
In people with Alzheimer's: clinical trials so far have not shown clear benefits, partly because standard curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream and brain.
Population studies: lower reported rates of Alzheimer's in some Asian countries are interesting, but diet, genetics, life expectancy and diagnosis rates all differ, so turmeric can't be credited on its own.

The takeaway: curcumin is a promising area of research, but it is not a proven treatment or prevention for Alzheimer's. If you take turmeric, choose a form with black pepper or take it with a meal containing fat to improve absorption.

Turmeric Australia Organic Turmeric Capsules

8 Brain Health Tips

Although there isn't a cure for Alzheimer's as yet, there are natural ways we can promote healthy brain function, which may reduce and/or slow the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

The 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia estimated that around 45% of dementia cases worldwide may be linked to 14 modifiable risk factors — including physical inactivity, high blood pressure, smoking, hearing loss, social isolation, high LDL cholesterol and excessive alcohol. That makes the tips below some of the most powerful steps you can take.

1. Physical Exercise

Regular exercise for seniors can increase the network of blood vessels that supply the part of the brain responsible for thought. Exercise also helps you stay fit, protects against diabetes and lowers blood pressure, so it can protect your brain in several different ways.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking, swimming or dancing, plus some strength exercises twice a week.

Friends and family can be useful for your brain health. People with secure social connections tend to have lower blood pressure, a decreased risk of dementia and a longer life expectancy. Studies suggest that hearing loss, and the isolation associated with it, can be a significant contributor to cognitive decline.

If you've noticed changes in your hearing, get it checked. Using hearing aids when needed is one of the simplest ways to stay socially connected.

3. Regular Medical Checks

High blood pressure, diabetes, chronic inflammation and high cholesterol can impair your brain health. Have regular health checks to screen for any problems and ensure any medication keeps these conditions under control.

What's good for your heart is good for your brain. For natural ways to support healthy heart markers, see Cholesterol, Blood Pressure and a Stronger Heart, Naturally on Moringa Leaf.

4. Nutrition

A balanced diet can nourish your mind and your body. Choose fresh, natural produce and products that are low in sugar and saturated fats. Fruit, vegetables, lean protein and healthy oils from olives, fish, nuts and avocados will help protect the brain.

The Mediterranean and MIND diets — rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, olive oil, fish and legumes — are the eating patterns most often linked with healthier brain ageing. Nutrients like vitamin D also play a role; read The Role of Vitamin D3 and K2 in Cognitive Decline and Dementia on Nature's Help.

Brain-healthy foods including leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish and olive oil

5. Cognitive Activities

Keeping the brain active is an essential aspect of brain health. Challenging mental activities stimulate the formation of new nerve cell connections and may encourage new cell generation. Try crosswords, puzzles, crafts and books to keep your mind alert and ready for anything.

Learning something genuinely new — a language, an instrument, a dance style — challenges the brain more than repeating familiar puzzles.

6. Quality Sleep

Sleep is a chance for our bodies to rest and repair the damage inflicted by daily life. It can be challenging to concentrate and function when we're sleep-deprived, with most adults needing between seven and nine hours to perform at their cognitive peak.

During deep sleep, the brain clears out waste products, including the amyloid proteins linked to Alzheimer's. If you snore heavily or wake unrefreshed, ask your GP about sleep apnoea.

7. No Smoking

Smoking increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer's disease. In research, people who smoked between ten and twenty cigarettes a day had a 44% greater chance of getting dementia. Giving up cigarettes is difficult, but it can help your brain stay sharp and healthy.

It's never too late to quit. For free support, call Quitline on 13 78 48.

8. Moderate Alcohol

Too much alcohol can increase the risk of dementia, but a little of what you fancy may do you good. Moderate levels of alcohol, under the government recommendation of 14 units a week, may help prevent memory loss.

Australian guidelines: healthy adults should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 on any one day. Current advice is that the less you drink, the lower your health risks, so non-drinkers shouldn't start drinking for brain health.

Where Turmeric Australia Fits In

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and is one of the most widely researched plants in the world. Our Organic Turmeric Capsules are an easy way to include turmeric in your daily routine as part of a healthy lifestyle, alongside regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep and staying socially connected. They are not a treatment for Alzheimer's or dementia.

Shop Organic Turmeric Capsules →

FAQs

Can turmeric cure Alzheimer's?

No. No cure currently exists for Alzheimer's, but medication and management strategies may temporarily improve symptoms. Turmeric is not a treatment for Alzheimer's or dementia.

Why are researchers interested in curcumin for Alzheimer's?

Most research is centred around curcumin, the key compound of turmeric. Studies show that curcumin can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within the body, both of which are linked to brain ageing.

What may curcumin do in relation to amyloid-beta plaques?

Some laboratory findings suggest curcumin may help prevent the formation of, and even break up, amyloid-beta plaques — the toxic protein clumps that build up in Alzheimer's disease. This has not yet been proven in people.

Are there natural ways to support brain health?

Yes. Regular exercise, social connection, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, a Mediterranean-style diet, quality sleep, not smoking and limiting alcohol are all linked with healthier brain ageing. Up to 45% of dementia cases may be linked to modifiable risk factors.

What are the early signs of Alzheimer's?

Early signs include memory loss that affects daily life, difficulty with familiar tasks, trouble finding words, confusion about time or place, poor judgement, and changes in mood or personality. See your GP if you notice these changes.

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's?

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for up to 70% of cases.

Is turmeric safe to take with dementia medication?

Turmeric is generally safe in food amounts, but supplements may interact with some medications, including blood thinners. Always check with the person's doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement.

Our Simple Recommendation

Focus on the habits with the strongest evidence: move every day, stay socially connected, get your blood pressure, cholesterol and hearing checked, eat a Mediterranean-style diet, protect your sleep, don't smoke and keep alcohol low. Turmeric can be a healthy part of that routine, but it isn't a substitute for medical care. If you or a loved one notice memory changes, see your GP early.

Shop Organic Turmeric Capsules →

References

About the Author: This article was written by Kirsty Strowger, Founder of Turmeric Australia and Nature's Help — two of Australia's most trusted natural health e-commerce brands. With over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, Kirsty has become a recognised authority in natural health education, product development, and women's wellness. For more than a decade, Kirsty has been writing evidence-based articles that empower Australians to take charge of their health naturally. Her passion for creating high-quality, science-backed supplements has helped thousands of Australians improve their wellbeing — the natural way.

Please Note: This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Results may vary from individual to individual.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Turmeric is not a treatment for Alzheimer's disease or dementia. If you or someone you love is experiencing memory changes, see a GP for proper assessment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement into your wellness routine, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition, are managing a chronic illness or are taking prescribed blood-thinning medication.

Alzheimer’s – Can Turmeric Prevent or Reduce Symptoms?

In This Article

What Is Alzheimer's?