Curcumin in Patients With Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease

Curcumin, a yellow substance found in the spice Turmeric, has antioxidant, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), and cholesterol-lowering properties, all of which make it a good candidate in the prevention and treatment of AD. The study will examine the safety and tolerability of 2 different doses of curcumin C3 complex. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests will be used to examine how the curcumin is absorbed in the body, and whether it has an effect on inflammation, oxidative damage, and cholesterol levels. Participants will also be tested to determine the potential effect of curcumin on cognition, behavior, and daily function in patients with mild to moderate AD.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two doses of curcumin, or a placebo, for the initial 6 months of the trial. For the final 6 months, those receiving a placebo will be switched to one of the two doses of the drug. The 33 participants will make 7 visits to the study site over a 12-month period. These visits may include a physical and neurological examination, routine laboratory tests, lumbar puncture, and neuropsychological (mood and memory) evaluations.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female at least 50 years old
• Diagnosis of probable AD
• No history of significant psychiatric or non-AD neurological disease
• Proficient in English to be able to perform cognitive testing
• Caregiver available to monitor and administer medication and to accompany patient to every clinical visit
• On stable doses of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine (Alzheimer's medications) for 3 months prior to enrollment
• On stable doses of all other allowed medications for at least one month prior to starting the study medication

Exclusion criteria

• Current or recent major psychiatric illness (i.e. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• Significant, uncontrolled systemic illness (i.e. chronic renal failure, chronic liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, or poorly controlled congestive heart failure)
• Recent history of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration
• Alcoholism or substance abuse within the past year
• Familial, autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease due to a mutation in a known gene (Presenilin-1, Presenilin-2, or Amyloid Precursor Protein)
• NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) taken on a regular basis (more than 3 times per week)
• Aspirin at doses more than 325 mg per day
• Coumadin, heparin, other anticoagulants
• Antioxidants or other supplements including gingko biloba, coenzyme Q10, alpha-lipoic acid
• Vitamin E at doses more than 2,000 IU per day
• Vitamin C at doses more than 500 mg per day