X-Message-Number: 32274
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:38:32 -0800 (PST)
From: 
Subject: Concord grape juice supplementation improves memory function

[Goodbye to cognitive decline.]

Br J Nutr. 2009 Dec 23:1-5. [Epub ahead of print]

Concord grape juice supplementation improves memory function in older adults 
with mild cognitive impairment.

Krikorian R, Nash TA, Shidler MD, Shukitt-Hale B, Joseph JA. Department of 
Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, 
USA.

    Concord grape juice contains polyphenol compounds, which have antioxidant 
    and anti-inflammatory properties and influence neuronal signalling. Concord 
    grape juice supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation, blood 
    pressure and vascular pathology in individuals with CVD, and consumption of 
    such flavonoid-containing foods is associated with a reduced risk for 
    dementia. In addition, preliminary animal data have indicated improvement in
    memory and motor function with grape juice supplementation, suggesting 
    potential for cognitive benefit in ageing humans. In this initial 
    investigation of neurocognitive effects, we enrolled twelve older adults 
    with memory decline but not dementia in a randomised, placebo-controlled, 
    double-blind trial with Concord grape juice supplementation for 12 weeks. We
    observed significant improvement in a measure of verbal learning and 
    non-significant enhancement of verbal and spatial recall. There was no 
    appreciable effect of the intervention on depressive symptoms and no effect 
    on weight or waist circumference. A small increase in fasting insulin was 
    observed for those consuming grape juice. These preliminary findings suggest
    that supplementation with Concord grape juice may enhance cognitive 
    function for older adults with early memory decline and establish a basis 
    for more comprehensive investigations to evaluate potential benefit and 
    assess mechanisms of action.
PMID: 20028599

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