Grape Seed Extract and Alzheimer’s Disease?

A new research study has shown that a polyphenol extract of grape seed interfered with the accumulation of tau proteins in mice prone to a type of dementia similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that occurs mainly later in life. The grape seed extract appears to protect against adverse effects of the abnormal protein formation (tau) that is believed to participate in causing the dementia. The net result was protection against cell toxicity (e.g., Ho et al J of Alzheimer’s Disease 2009; 16:433-439; Ono et al. J of Biological Chemistry 2008; 238:32176-32187; Wang et al Journal of Neuroscience 2008; 28:6388-92).

While animal studies and test tube studies are an essential early step in research, this work does not establish that grape seed extract could slow the development or progression of Alzheimer’s. This is one of those findings where the consumer has to make a personal choice based on individual circumstances and in consultation with his/her own health care providers. Full safety and clinical efficacy data are a long way off. Still, since grape seed extract is available in health food stores, it may be worth exploring the possibilities in people at high risk or in people who already have the dementia underway.

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