New Alzheimer’s Society research is to investigate whether curcumin, found in the popular Indian spice turmeric, and a number of drugs for other conditions, could benefit people with Alzheimer’s.

Researchers at Southampton University will examine whether the drugs could counteract some of the brain changes that are characteristic of the disease.

The study is one of eight new Alzheimer’s Society research projects, pushing the charity’s current investment in research to over £6 million.

The Alzheimer’s Society previously funded research to develop a fruit fly model of Alzheimer’s disease – genetically modified flies with nerve cells that contain abnormal tau proteins like those found in people with Alzheimer’s.

Researchers are to now use this model to see whether a number of potential drugs counteract the harmful effects of abnormal tau and warrant further investigation.

Tau proteins are found in all nerve cells and help support the shape of nerve cells, enabling them to communicate with each other. In the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease tau proteins become abnormal, stopping the nerve cells communicating and eventually leading to cell death.

Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer’s Society says
one million people will develop dementia in the next 10 years unless action is taken now.

"Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease that robs people of their lives. A cheap, accessible and safe treatment could transform the quality of life of thousands of people with the disease. With the right investment, dementia can be defeated," she added.

Dr Amrit Mudher, lead researcher from the University of Southampton, says Indian communities that regularly eat curcumin have a surprisingly low incidence of Alzheimer’s, but scientists sitll do not know why.

"Part of our research will investigate how curcumin may help protect the brain and prevent the disease," he said.


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