Chronic purple grape juice consumption induces age-dependent changes on cognitive function in elderly women

Abstract

Objective: To verify the chronic consumption of grape juice effects on weight, body mass index (BMI), cognitive function and the peripheral levels of global histone H4 acetylation, BDNF and inflammatory markers in elderly women according to age. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. The blood samples were collected before and after 30 days of grape juice supplementation (400 ml/daily) in women aged > 70 and < 70 years old. Weight, BMI and cognitive function, were measured before and after supplementation. Results: Grape juice consumption promoted a reduction on weight and BMI. This consumption also contributed to improve a cognitive function. These effects were more pronounced in the >70 years group. A tendency towards increased BDNF levels was observed in the >70 years group after intervention. Inflammatory markers and global histone H4 levels did not change. Conclusion: The chronic grape juice consumption is an interesting choice to promote health benefits in elderly women, which seem to act in an age-dependent manner.