Cocoa flavanols can increase memory in older people

A clinical trial has shown that a diet supplemented with cocoa flavanols – naturally occurring compounds found in cocoa beans – can improve the performance of a specific memory task in older people. The study will be published in the journal on Monday 15 February Scientific reports.

Researchers from Columbia University and New York University recruited 211 healthy people aged 50-75 for the 12-week trial. At the beginning and end of the study, participants underwent a series of cognitive tests to evaluate their thinking and memory and a subset of the participants received an MRI scan to measure the blood flow in the brain. During the trial, participants were divided into four groups and given different levels of a supplement containing cocoa flavanols:

• Placebo (0 mg Flavanols per day)
• low intake (260 mg)
• Medium intake (510 mg)
• high intake (770 mg).

Dr Susan Kohlhass, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

‘This small experiment highlights a possible effect of flavanols found in cocoa beans over a short period of time, but we will have to look at much longer, large-scale studies to fully understand whether a diet high in these flavanols cognizes age. can increase We also do not know how significant the improvements measured in the tests used here would be for people in their daily lives.

“While the researchers found that at the end of the study, those on a high-flavanol diet performed better in a list-learning task compared with the placebo group, they did not find a link between flavanol intake and performance in two other cognitive tests., one of which was the primary endpoint for the study.There was no effect of twelve weeks of flavanol supplementation on blood flow to the brain area identified by the researchers before the study.

“This study did not look at dementia, and we cannot know from this research whether a diet containing cocoa would have an effect on preventing or delaying the onset of the condition. The study included cocoa flavanol supplements. use that forms capsule participants Although cocoa beans are the basis for chocolate, chocolate is not a reliable source of flavanol compounds, and this study does not suggest that chocolate is good for our cognitive health.

“The study was supported in part by MARS, Inc., the company that manufactures Mars rods and a range of other chocolate products.

“Continued investment in research is crucial to finding ways to protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia-causing diseases. Although there is currently no sure way to prevent dementia, research shows that a healthy lifestyle can help keep our brain healthy as we age.A healthy diet, regular exercise, no smoking, and keeping blood pressure and weight in check can help lower the risk of dementia.

“We must do everything in our power to help people take action to support their brain health. That’s why Alzheimer’s Research UK has launched the Think Brain Health campaign as an important first step.”