Curry chemical that clears brain plaques

The team from the University of California made the discovering after identifying under-activity in part of the immune system in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Professor Clive Ballard, director of research at the Alzheimer's Society says,

'Under-activity in part of the immune system of people with Alzheimer's disease may lead to a problem clearing the toxic amyloid protein from the brain, which could contribute to the development of the plaques seen in the brains of people with the disease. Curcumin, which is found in curry, may help reverse this problem.

Previous studies have shown curcumin may protect nerve cells. This latest work suggests another role for the natural occurring compound and is a novel finding, which needs to be examined further. It may offer opportunities to investigate new Alzheimer's disease treatments based on improving the way the immune system clears abnormal proteins.'