Daily consumption of Concord grape juice may enhance memory in older people with mild impairment in the brain function, says a new study from the US.
Improved verbal learning and enhanced verbal and spatial recall were observed following a 12 week randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with Concord grape juice.
Scientists from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, and the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and Tufts University report their findings in the British Journal of Nutrition.
Researchers led by Dr Robert Krikorian are careful to note that results from their small study – only 12 older adults with memory decline but not dementia were studied – should “establish a basis for more comprehensive investigations to evaluate potential benefit and assess mechanisms of action”.
Concord grape juice is a rich source of polyphenols, potent antioxidants that ‘mop up’ harmful reactive oxygen species that have been identified as key to the aging process. Previous research has linked polyphenols, such as catechins, epicatechins, and anthocyanins to protecting against various cancers and heart disease.
A previous study by Tufts researchers reported that Concord grape juice appeared to reverse the course of neuronal and behavioural aging in rats (Nutrition, 2006, Vol. 22, pp. 295-302). The new study reports similar findings in ageing humans.
“We observed significant improvement in a measure of verbal learning and non-significant enhancement of verbal and spatial recall,” reported Krikorian and his co-workers.
No effects on symptoms of depression, or weight or waist circumference were recorded by the researchers.
“These preliminary findings suggest that supplementation with Concord grape juice may enhance cognitive function for older adults with early memory decline,” they concluded.
Source: Nutra Ingredients
Original Date: January 8th, 2009
January 20th, 2010 at 5:31 pm
Yes but what about the sugar content of the grape juice? Is there any way to get around that like by drinking merlot red wine?
January 20th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
What is with all the “MAY”’s on this site. Something may do this something may do that. Does it do it or not? There is so much back and forth out there and it all gets exhausting. If an article is headlined with the word MAY in it, I just ignore it. I’m not interested in whether something may do something for me, I just want to know the solid on whether something is good for me or it isn’t. Does it help prevent something or doesn’t it. May shouldn’t enter into it.