Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Cab?
08/20/09, East Hartford

Polyphenols are compounds which are present in grapes - skins and seeds. It is thought that polyphenols may prevent formation of beta-amyloid protein. This protein creates plaque in the brain, which in turn causes Alzheimer's disease.

Research from Purdue University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine have demonstrated that polyphenols do reach the brain. Researchers are now studying how polyphenols are absorbed and consequently distributed to the brain. They hope an understanding of this process will help them understand how much red wine, grape, or grape products an individual would need to consume in order to help combat Alzheimer's disease.

The "grape" research is also important in terms of pharmaceuticals. If researchers can understand how polyphenols are absorbed, they may also then be able to determine appropriate doses of other drugs for people with Alzheimer's.

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