Role of grape seed polyphenols in Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology

Giulio Maria Pasinetti^1,2, Lap Ho<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York; ²Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J Peters Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA

Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative condition ­characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function. AD affects approximately five million people in the US, creating a devastating financial burden on health care costs and an emotional ­burden on caregivers. To date, there is no cure for AD, so researchers are continually exploring novel ­avenues for the prevention and treatment of this condition. In this article, we present some ­findings from our laboratory and those of others on the potential benefits of a grape seed ­polyphenolic extract (GSPE) for the prevention and treatment of AD, including its c­hemical composition, bioactivity, bioavailability, safety, and tolerability, and the mechanisms by which it interferes with AD pathogenesis. Findings presented in this review article support the ­development of GSPE as a preventative and/or therapeutic agent in AD.

Keywords: alzheimer’s disease, neurodegeneration, polyphenols