Discussion
In this preliminary study we sought to assess the effect of
moderate-term supplementation with 100% Concord grape
juice on cognition in older adults with early memory decline
and found that memory function was improved with regular
grape juice consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first
controlled human trial examining neurocognitive response to
this dietary intervention, and our findings are consistent with
those of a recent animal study showing improvement in
cognitive performance with grape juice supplementation in
aged rodents(35). Our data do not provide information as
to possible mechanisms leading to the beneficial effects.
However, given the existing body of research concerning
reductions of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in
human subjects with CVD and lower risk of age-related
neurodegeneration with flavonoid consumption, these putative
mechanisms would be primary considerations