REVERSING THE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF AGING ON NEURONAL COMMUNICATION AND BEHAVIOR: THE BENEFICIAL PROPERTIES OF FRUIT POLYPHENOLICS

Authors: Joseph, James; Shukitt-Hale, Barbara; CASADESUS, GEMMA - CASE WESTERN RESV. UNIV

Submitted to: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/8/2005
Publication Date: 5/10/2005
Citation: Joseph, J.A., Shukitt Hale, B., Casadesus, G. 2005. Reversing the deleterious effects of aging on neuronal communication and behavior: the beneficial properties of fruit polyphenolics. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2005, 81 (Suppl.) 313S-316S

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: It is becoming increasingly clear that while the research involving the molecular biology of and the determination of the genetic mechanisms of aging involves elegant science associated with state of the art techniques, it is clear that practical information on how to forestall or reverse the deleterious effects of aging may be years away. If this is the case, then it becomes prudent to try to establish other methods that may be utilized today to alter the course of aging. Numerous epidemiological studies have indicated that individuals who consume a diet containing high amounts of fruits and vegetables may prevent age-related diseases such as Alzheimer Disease. Research from our laboratory has suggested that dietary supplementation with fruit or vegetable extracts high in antioxidants (e.g., blueberry, spinach) can decrease the enhanced vulnerability to oxidative stress (OS) that occurs in aging and that these reductions are expressed as improvements in behavior. Additional research has suggested multiple mechanisms, in addition to those involving the antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties of the polyphenolic compounds in these fruits and vegetables, the most important of which may be their ability to increase cellular signaling and neuronal communication.