New Study Links Dietary Flavonols With Reduced Risk of Alzheimer Dementia

A study published in Neurology found that greater consumption of plant compounds known as flavonols is linked to a 48 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia, reports Produce Blue Book . Flavonols are found in fruits and vegetables, and they promote beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Grapes are a natural source of flavonols, including kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and isorhamnetin. Kaempferol, myricetin, and isorhamnetin are the compounds most associated with the anti-Alzheimer's benefit, as opposed to quercetin. Other studies have connected the consumption of grapes to brain health, with a study at the University of California, Los Angeles determining that the fruit helped shield against metabolic decline in Alzheimer's-related regions of the brain. "The new findings linking higher intake of flavonols to a reduced risk of Alzheimer dementia . . . supports the previous positive findings of the beneficial impact grape consumption can have on brain health," said California Table Grape Commission President Kathleen Nave. "Importantly, research indicates that just 2 1/4 cups of grapes a day is all it takes to make a positive difference. With more clinical research in this critically important area of human health underway we look forward to having more positive news to share."