Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and specifically its active compound curcumin, has gained attention for its potential effects on memory and brain function. Scientific interest is driven by curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are thought to play a role in neuroprotection. Several animal studies have demonstrated that curcumin may reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, both implicated in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Human evidence is emerging but still limited. Some small randomized controlled trials have shown that curcumin supplementation can improve working memory and attention in older adults, and may reduce amyloid and tau accumulation—hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, a 2018 double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry reported improved memory and attention in non-demented adults taking curcumin over 18 months. However, other studies have found mixed or insignificant results, often attributed to differences in curcumin formulations and bioavailability.

Traditionally, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments, including as a general brain tonic, but these uses were not specifically focused on memory enhancement. The current advocacy for turmeric's cognitive benefits is therefore primarily supported by preliminary scientific research, not by strong traditional precedent or high-quality large-scale clinical evidence. More robust trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish optimal dosing.