Dietary Flavanols Reverse Age Related Memory Decline

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center, naturally occurring bioactives found in cocoa reversed age-related memory decline in healthy older adults. The study, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, provides the first direct evidence that one component of age-related memory decline in humans is caused by changes in a specific region of the brain and can be improved by a dietary intervention. Previous studies have shown that changes in a specific part of the brain — the dentate gyrus — are associated with age-related memory decline. However, the evidence only showed a correlational link, not a causal. To test if the dentate gyrus is the source of age-related memory decline in humans, researchers experimented with compounds called cocoa flavanols to see if they could improve the function of this brain region and improve memory. A cocoa flavanol test-drink was prepared specifically for research purposes. “When we imaged our research subjects’ brains, we found noticeable improvements in the function of the dentate gyrus in those who consumed the high-cocoa-flavanol drink,” said the lead author of the study. The high-flavanol group also performed significantly better on the memory test. To read more about this study, click here.