Compound in grapes prevents memory loss
16 Mar 2015 by Evoluted New Media
An antioxidant in grapes and peanuts may help prevent age-related decline in memory.
A team at Texas A & M Health Science Center College of Medicine applied spatial learning and memory ability techniques on rats and found that an antioxidant known as resveratrol can be used in memory loss treatment.
“The results of the study were striking. They indicated that for the control rats who did not receive resveratrol, spatial learning ability was largely maintained but ability to make new spatial memories significantly declined between 22 and 25 months. By contrast, both spatial learning and memory improved in the resveratrol-treated rats,” said Ashok Shetty, professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, showed that resveratrol-treated rats also had significantly improved microvasculature in brain regions indicating better blood flow and therefore increased brain activity. Resveratrol, found in the skin of red grapes, as well as in red wine, peanuts and some berries, also showed apparent benefits in the mood of aged rats.
“The study provides novel evidence that resveratrol treatment in late middle age can help improve memory and mood function in old age,” Shetty said.
The research team also believes that resveratrol may even be able to help people afflicted with severe neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Paper: http://www.nature.com/srep/2015/150128/srep08075/full/srep08075.html
