(25-04-12) Vitamin D3 and curcumin synergistically clear brain tangles to help prevent Alzheimer's dementia

by John Phillip

(NaturalNews) New diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease cases continue to mount at
an unprecedented rate, threatening both the lives of those suffering from this
dreaded illness and the health care system itself, as billions are spent to
care for the millions suffering from this lifestyle-mediated disease. New hope
is now offered by scientists from the University of California publishing in
the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, as they have identified the specific
intracellular mechanism regulated by vitamin D3 that may help the body clear
the brain of amyloid beta.

There has been scant evidence in the past to show that vitamin D and the curry-
derived compound, curcumin help to prevent Alzheimer's dementia. Researchers
now provide solid research-based science to explain the precise pathway used by
these two natural substances to help stimulate the immune system to activate
key genes involved in clearing the amyloid-beta protein.

Chief study author, Dr. Milan Fiala noted "This new study helped clarify the
key mechanisms involved, which will help us better understand the usefulness of
vitamin D3 and curcumin as possible therapies for Alzheimer's disease." Prior
research has suggested a synergistic effect between the two compounds and
clearance of deadly protein tangles, but no action pathway has ever been
postulated until now.

Vitamin D3 and curcumin work together to clear deadly brain plaques
To test their hypothesis, scientists took blood samples from a group of
currently diagnosed Alzheimer's disease patients and a control group of healthy
volunteers. They then isolated the immune-stimulating component of the white
blood cells called macrophages. These special cells are known to target and
eliminate amyloid fibrils and other waste products that accumulate in the brain
before they manifest into detectable disease conditions.

Researchers then incubated some of the extracted immune cells for a 24-hour
period in a solution containing the active form of vitamin D3 (1a, 25-
dihydroxyvitamin D3). Other cells were exposed to a standardized curcumin
extract. Past studies have shown that there are two types of macrophages, Type
I and Type II that independently perform different functions, yet must work
together to effectively remove amyloid protein in the brain.

The scientists found that Type I macrophage activity is greatly enhanced with
optimal saturation of vitamin D3, and Type II immune cells are supported by the
presence of curcumin. Researchers found that the action of both Type I and II
macrophages are greatly enhanced by the synergistic application of vitamin D3
and curcumin together. Dr. Fiala concluded "Our findings demonstrate that
active forms of vitamin D3 (and curcumin) may be an important regulator of
immune activities of macrophages in helping to clear amyloid plaques."

Proof positive now exists to support maintaining optimal blood saturation
levels (50 to 70 ng/mL) of vitamin D as measured using the simple and
inexpensive 25(OH)D test. Most people will need to supplement with 5,000 to
7,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day or rely on sun exposure to obtain ideal levels.
Adding curcumin to your regular diet using natural curry-enriched foods or
supplementing (300 to 500 mg per day standardized to 95 percent total
curcuminoids) will provide a synergistic effect shown to help clear brain
tangles and prevent Alzheimer's dementia.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.j-alz.com/issues/29/mizwicki_supplement.pdf

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-03/uoc--usp030612.php

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120306131845.htm

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