Research Gist
A single positive trial is encouraging, but findings become more reliable when a second study repeats them. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed as a partial replication of an earlier study showing that a bioavailable curcumin formulation improved working memory and reduced fatigue in older adults. This time, 80 healthy adults aged 50 to 80 took either the curcumin formulation or a placebo daily for 12 weeks, with assessments at 4 and 12 weeks. By 12 weeks, the curcumin group showed better working memory than the placebo group. Fatigue scores were lower at both 4 and 12 weeks, and at 4 weeks the curcumin group also reported less tension, anger and confusion. No group differences were found in the blood biomarkers measured. The researchers noted the overall pattern is consistent with improved function of the hippocampus, a brain region central to memory.
Key Learnings
- Working memory improved in the curcumin group by 12 weeks.
- Fatigue was lower at both 4 and 12 weeks compared with placebo.
- Tension, anger and confusion scores were lower at 4 weeks.
- The study partly replicated earlier findings, which strengthens confidence in the working-memory result.
- It used a specific bioavailable curcumin formulation in older adults, and blood biomarkers did not change.