Check Your Brain Out?

Kate Cox is a PhD student at the Centre of Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University and seeking access to some old grey matter.   She writes:

I am currently running a study which is investigating whether taking curcumin supplements can improve memory, brain function and mood in men and women aged 60 to 85.   Our greatest challenge in studies such as this is getting the word out to members of the public who may be interested in taking part in the study. I was hoping that you may be able to assist me in this endeavour by distributing some information to your Rotary club members.

Here is a little bit of information about the study and why we are conducting it:--

The curry spice turmeric has been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of ailments. You may have heard a bit about turmeric in the media lately because more and more studies are providing scientific support for its health benefits. Curcumin is the element in turmeric that gives it its yellow colour and it is of particular interest to us, as it is now believed to also be the source of turmeric’s health benefits. Among other things, curcumin is able to fight oxidative stress and inflammation and may even reduce the accumulation in the brain, of amyloid protein which is thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. These properties may also mean it is able to help fight the memory problems and “cognitive aging” which many people experience as they grow older.

In our study we are examining the effect that taking one capsule containing a curcumin supplement, every day for four weeks has on memory, brain function and mood in people aged between 60 and 85. These can be both people who have and have not experienced a decline in the memory or mental function with age. We will also be look at blood test results to see what biological improvements are associated with taking curcumin and with mental improvements we see. 

Obviously without people to participate in the study this important research can’t happen. If you think you can help by letting you’re members know about the study please let me know and I would be delighted to post you some hard copies or flyers and/or posters. I have also attached electronic copies of our flyer and a detailed participant information form in case this is useful to you as well.

Any help you can offer in spreading the word and helping us find some willing guinea pigs would be hugely appreciated J

Kind regards,

Kate

Katherine Cox , Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology

H24, P.O. Box 218 Hawthorn, VIC, 3122

Ph: +61 3 9214 8168

Email: kcox@swin.edu.au