Human trials have shown that short- and moderate-term
supplementation with grape juice produces benefit in individuals
with CVD, including increased serum antioxidant
capacity and reduced LDL oxidation(19), improved endothelial
function(26) and reduced platelet aggregation(27). Such findings
are pertinent with respect to age-related cognitive decline
because of the strong relationship between CVD and neurodegeneration
(28 – 31). Epidemiological studies indicate that consumption
of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower
risk of neurodegenerative disorders and better cognitive performance
in the elderly(32 – 34), and these effects have been
attributed to the intake of a variety of flavonoid compounds
with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently,
a preliminary animal study demonstrated that ingestion of
Concord grape juice for 6–8 weeks induced enhancement of
cognitive performance in aged rodents