SUPPLEMENTATION WITH <EM>CURCUMA LONGA</EM> POLYPHENOLIC EXTRACT PREVENTS COGNITIVE DECLINE IN AGED MEN AND WOMEN WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, may increase vulnerability to cognitive decline. This risk increases during aging when the low-grade chronic inflammation and oxidative stress characterizing this lifetime adds to that provided by MetS. Curcuma longa, a polyphenols’ source with pleiotropic anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is promising in preventing cognitive decline; however, the reduced solubility and bioavailability limits its potential. We evaluated whether MERIVA® (turmeric extract standardized in curcuminoids, formulated with phospholipids, Phytosome®) may counteract cognitive decline in middle-aged men and women with MetS. Subjects were enrolled (T0) in a double-blind randomized controlled trial, supplemented either with MERIVA® (1g/day) or placebo for 6 months (T6). Cognitive performance (Multiple Features Target Cancellation, Trail Making and Stroop tests) together with plasmatic inflammatory and oxidative markers, glucose and lipid homeostasis were assessed at T0, T6 and at follow-up (12 months from the beginning of supplementation - T12). MERIVA® was well tolerated, with reduced side effects. A principal component analysis revealed that, in women at T6, it improved cognitive performances compared to placebo; a similar trend was observed in men. Interestingly, at T12, MERIVA® optimized/rebalanced total and LDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides and glycaemia specifically in men. Overall, the optimized formulation of curcuminoids with phospholipids makes MERIVA® supplementation promising against cognitive decline and in counteracting metabolic issues in at-risk subjects. The potential benefits resulted as long-lasting, with gender-specific effects. Funding: Indena S.p.A.; study code: CUR-01-2019. All trademark registrations referenced on this abstract refer to registrations in Italy.