Effect of Polyphenolic Complements on Cognitive Function in the Elderly: A Systematic Review
What this study found
All included studies reported improvements in cognitive function metrics, particularly with higher doses and longer treatment durations. Significant enhancements were noted in attention and psychomotor speed; however, verbal and working memory did not show consistent improvements. Improvements in blood pressure and other health indicators were also observed.
- Study & population
- The analysis included randomized controlled trials published between March 2010 and March 2020, examining the effects of various polyphenolic compounds on cognitive function.
- Intervention
- This review focuses on the impact of dietary interventions using foods or supplements rich in flavanols, flavonols, and stilbenes on cognitive decline in individuals over the age of 50.
- Key limitation
- The review notes a lack of detailed participant information regarding socioeconomic status, short follow-up periods, and small sample sizes, which could affect statistical power and reproducibility.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Polyphenols have been shown to be effective against many chronic diseases. These compounds could have a beneficial effect at the cognitive level. The exact mechanism by which they provide positive effects at the cognitive level is not well known, but it is believed that they could counteract neuroinflammation. The objective of this study is to review nutritional interventions that include foods or supplements rich in flavanols, flavonols, or stilbenes to the usual diet on cognitive deterioration in people over 50 years of age. Clinical trials published in PubMed and Web of Science from 1 March 2010 to 1 March 2020 were explored, from which 14 studies were selected. All of them showed some improvement after the intervention. In interventions with flavanols and stilbenes, relevant improvements have been observed both in healthy patients and in patients with established cognitive impairment. Most studies agree that the greatest benefits are found with high doses and longer duration treatments. The changes were fundamentally assessed through cognitive tests, and in some of the studies, through magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The type of cognitive test used to assess the effect of the intervention was revealed to be critical. Several studies have also shown improvements in analytical parameters and blood pressure.