A supplement combining a chemical from the spice turmeric and vitamin D3 could reduce the number of proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease and subsequent memory declines.

Scientists at UCLA extracted cells from Alzheimer’s patients to test the effects of the new combination on beta amyloids, a set of proteins in the body thought to grow as the neurological condition progresses.

They found that when a synthetic version of the spice chemical called curcumin was combined with the body’s natural vitamin D, antibodies called macrophages were better able to destroy the beta amyloids which can block brain activity.

"Since vitamin D and curcumin work differently with the immune system, we may find that a combination of the two or each used alone may be more effective – depending on the individual patient," said researcher Dr John Cashman.

The scientists caution that the benefits of combining nutritional and herbal supplements to combat the condition were found in a small-scale study, using material from only nine participants, but are hopeful that further research will confirm the benefits of nutritional and herbal supplements in combating the condition.