Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Hi Terry, “My aunt (age 70) was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). I’ve been reading and learning more about it because I want to find something to help her. Do you have any suggestions? I know there is no cure.” —Tim S., Des Moines, IA A. Dear Tim, I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. You are right – there is no cure for this disease. However, there is a lot of new research going on showing that the spice curcumin and vitamin D, when used together, can help reduce the plaques and tangles in the brain that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. There are new studies just now getting underway to test this in human patients in the early stages of this disease. It may well prove that curcumin and vitamin D in combination can slow the progression of AD. I always recommend a special type of curcumin that has up to 10 times the absorption of plain curcumin. It is micronized and then blended with turmeric essential oil. This form has published human studies proving its absorption and retention in the blood stream compared to plain curcumin. I fear you will not get anywhere near the good results with plain curcumin as you will with this improved form. Also, the plant oils from rosemary and Spanish sage are quite helpful for memory and mental function. Both these plant oils help preserve a certain neurotransmitter in the brain called acetylcholine, which is usually deficient in individuals with AD. I suggest a formula that combines all these ingredients. I just wrote about Alzheimer’s disease in a recent newsletter, so check out my article, What Causes Alzheimer’s? for more information. Good luck and please extend my best wishes to your aunt. Healthy regards! Terry . . . Naturally