Rosemary and Sage: Unlikely Heroes in the Fight Against Dementia

Research has shown that two common kitchen herbs, rosemary and sage, may offer potential protections against dementia and boost memory. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents found in these herbs, particularly carnosic acid, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. A recent study published in the Antioxidants journal created a stable form of carnosic acid named diAcCA, which showed promising results in enhancing memory function, increasing synaptic density, and diminishing Alzheimer's-related proteins. This breakthrough has sparked hopes that diAcCA could be tested on humans and potentially used to treat other inflammatory conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• Rosemary and sage contain compounds that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly carnosic acid.
• The stable form of carnosic acid, diAcCA, has shown significant cognitive improvements and reduced Alzheimer's-related proteins in pre-clinical studies.
• DiAcCA only activates in inflamed brain regions, which could minimize side effects and make it a promising treatment option.
• Rosemary may help support cognitive performance by preserving acetylcholine, a brain chemical essential for learning and memory.
• Antioxidants in rosemary help protect brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress, a major factor in cognitive decline.
• A 2016 study found that exposure to the scent of rosemary improved memory in 150 healthy participants aged 65 and over.
• Rosemary-scented rooms showed significantly enhanced prospective memory, with test scores 15% higher than those who had been in unscented rooms.
• Participants who spent time in a room with the scent of lavender were notably more calm and content, but experienced a reduced ability to remember pre-intended actions.

Statistics:

• 150 healthy participants aged 65 and over participated in the 2016 study on rosemary scent.
• 15% Improvement in prospective memory was seen in participants who had been in the rosemary-scented room.
• 2016 study: Participants who had been in the rosemary-scented room showed significantly enhanced prospective memory.

Sources:

• The Conversation
• Dipa Kamdar, senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University
• Antioxidants journal
• Northumbria University
• Dr. Mark Moss, head of psychology at Northumbria University
• NHS guidelines on decreasing the risk of dementia
• 2016 study by Northumbria University on the effects of rosemary scent