Curcumin and Retinal Amyloid-beta Pilot Study
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Summary
To test how two weeks of curcumin supplementation would cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and attach to amyloid beta proteins, to assess the feasibility (safety and bioavailability), and to explore the resulting abundance/composition of gut microbiota.
Description
Alzheimer's disease (AD) leads to progressive cognitive decline. Increased amyloid beta (Aβ) burden and Aβ deposits have been shown in the AD retina. Aβ accumulation inside retinal pericytes in AD and pericyte degeneration in the retina mirror prominent features of brain AD pathology. Curcumin, a derivative of turmeric, has a high affinity for amyloid beta. Thus, curcumin would bind to amyloid beta plaques and emit a strong fluorescent signal, suggesting it can be a powerful diagnostic tool for AD. Emerging evidence has shown the connection between the brain and GI tract (gut microbiome), and…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–89 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion: * Both male and female, age 40 - 89 years. * Diagnosed with Aβ deposits in retina (peripheral superior quadrants)--to be confirmed after consent obtained. If there is documentation the potential participant has been diagnosed with Aβ deposits in retina within 6 months before the consent session, we will use this diagnosis/documentation for eligibility criteria. Otherwise, the ophthalmic exam will be repeated after consent is obtained for the study. * No pre-existing liver or kidney diseases by self-report. Exclusion: * Patients with ocular diseases (macular degeneration, severe d…
Interventions
- DrugLow curcumin group
One curcumin capsule (250 mg curcumin) after each meal, 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
- DrugHigh curcumin group
One curcumin capsule (500 mg curcumin) after each meal, 3 times a day for 2 weeks.
Location
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, Texas