Frontiers in Nutrition · Oct 1, 2026

Influence of Curcuma longa extract on cognitive function in mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease: a single-arm, open-label, observational study

By Manabe Y

OBJECTIVES: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a dietary spice with potential biological effects. This study evaluated the association between intake of C. longa extracts (CLE) and cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: This was a 4-month, single-arm, open-label, observational study of participants with MCI due to AD who were awaiting anti-amyloid therapy. Participants (n = 13) consumed the test food containing CLE, which includes the compounds bisacurone and turmeronols. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after 4 months using various cognitive assessments. RESULTS: After excluding participants with insufficient intake of CLE capsules or invalid data, 10 participants were included in the analysis set, consisting of 2 men and 8 women, with a mean ± standard deviation age of 74.8 ± 6.1 years. CLE intake was associated with significantly higher memory scores (Composite B) and significantly lower estimated brain age at 4 months compared with baseline, as measured by a digital cognitive assessment tool (Nou-Know). In the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, total scores did not differ significantly after CLE intake, but subscale scores for the attention domain and digit span test increased significantly from baseline. DISCUSSION: This observational study provides preliminary evidence of a potential association between CLE intake and changes in frontal lobe-mediated functions, particularly working memory, in individuals with MCI due to AD, and further investigation is warranted. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/icdr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000058932, identifier UMIN-CTR, UMIN000052043.

doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1951923Open accessPubMed 42889099Interventions