Resveratrol supplementation, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease Original paper

Aging increases the risk for cognitive decline, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). There are currently only five pharmacological treatments for MCI and AD, all of which can delay (but not prevent) the progression of cognitive decline in only ≈50% of patients.^[1]

Nutraceutical compounds are an emerging area of research for aging and cognitive decline. Resveratrol — a widely-researched polyphenol found in several plants — has been shown to regulate brain inflammation and reduce neurodegenerative disease burden in adults with cognitive decline.^[2][3] Could resveratrol supplementation benefit patients with MCI and AD?

This systematic review evaluated the current evidence on the benefits of resveratrol supplementation for adults with MCI or AD based on 5 randomized controlled trials. The trials included a total of 203 adult participants (ages 49 to 80). Three studies included participants with AD (151), and 2 studies included participants with MCI (52).

Resveratrol may prevent a decline in scores on cognitive assessments such as the Activities of Daily Living Scale, Mini Mental State Examination, and Neuropsychiatric Inventory, compared to placebo treatments.

Resveratrol reduced brain amyloid levels in 1 study, but 2 studies found no significant effect of resveratrol on brain amyloid levels. Resveratrol had no effect on brain tau levels or memory performance compared to placebo treatments.

Overall, resveratrol supplementation was shown to be safe and well-tolerated.

It’s difficult to draw conclusions about the effects of resveratrol based on this review because only 5 studies were included, no meta-analysis was performed, and there was a large array of outcomes across the studies. More human trials of resveratrol in AD and MCI are needed before definitive evidence may begin to emerge on whether supplementation could be beneficial.