Research in animals and humans has indicated that polyphenols can delay the age-related decline in learning, memory and neurodegenerative diseases. Among the polyphenols, berry phenolics have extensive beneficial effects because… Click to show full abstract
Research in animals and humans has indicated that polyphenols can delay the age-related decline in learning, memory and neurodegenerative diseases. Among the polyphenols, berry phenolics have extensive beneficial effects because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Long-term consumption of grapes results in accumulation of polyphenols in the brain, which modulates cell-signalling pathways and neutralises the redox imbalance in the aging brain. Here we review the in vivo and in vitro evidence for considering grape-derived polyphenolics, the flavonoids- catechins, epicatechin, anthocyanidin, and quercetin, and non-flavonoids-gallic acid and resveratrol, as effective dietary sources to facilitate cognition in adults and lessen the decline in the old and pathogenic states, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Furthermore, a combined intervention of polyphenols along with regular physical exercise provides cognitive benefits for the aging brain and holds promising venues for preclinical and clinical studies in formulating neuro-nutraceuticals as functional foods for a healthy brain.
               
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