A study of patients with carotid artery stenosis or occlusion—narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain—found improved cognition, including memory, as well as increased blood flow to the brain among those who were administered oral resveratrol. This antioxidant is most famous for its presence in red wine (and grapes), but it also occurs in blueberries and peanuts.¹

Compared with those who did not receive resveratrol, the resveratrol group also experienced significant decreases in systolic blood pressure and blood glucose. The findings were reported on January 30, 2024, in the Journal of Stroke.

“Long-term daily intake of oral resveratrol may prevent or treat vascular cognitive impairment by improving the cerebral blood flow in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis or occlusion,” concluded Yorito Hattori of the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Suita, Japan and colleagues.

The study included 79 older men and women with carotid artery stenosis or occlusion who did not have symptoms. The group underwent assessment of cognitive function, brain blood flow and other factors. Test scores for cognitive function, including memory, indicated mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. 36 patients received 30 milligrams per day of resveratrol and the remainder received medical treatment for vascular and metabolic risk factors. Average follow-up was 221.2 days for patients who received resveratrol and 244.8 days for those who did not receive resveratrol.