Resveratrol Shown to Improve Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Women

Resveratrol is part of a group of compounds called polyphenols that are thought to act like antioxidants. Resveratrol can be found in grapes, red wine, and dark chocolate. A recent study suggests that supplementation with resveratrol may help improve cognitive function in postmenopausal women.

Participants in the study included 129 postmenopausal women with an average age of 65. They took 75 mg of resveratrol or a placebo twice daily for 12 months. Cognitive tests were administered at baseline and at the end of the study. Blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and fasting blood glucose were measured at baseline and at the end of the study.

Participants in the resveratrol group saw improvements in processing speed and cognitive flexibility compared to the placebo group. They also saw improvements in blood pressure and arterial stiffness. In addition, there were improvements in fasting blood glucose, which were associated with overall improvements in cerebrovascular responsiveness.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Federal University of Newcastle and the University of South Australia. It was published online ahead of print on March 20, 2020 in the journal Nutrients.