Editors' note: Pattern of polyphenol intake and the long-term risk of dementia in older persons

Abstract

In the article “Pattern of polyphenol intake and the long-term risk of dementia in older persons,” Drs. Lefevre-Arbogast et al. found that a diet containing certain plant products (nuts, citrus, berries, leafy vegetables, soy, cereals, and olive oil) along with red wine and tea was associated with lower dementia risk in a prospective French cohort of older persons: the Three-City Study. In response and postulating about the underlying mechanisms behind the study's findings, Dr. Brenner notes that plant polyphenols have antibacterial qualities that might help reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease by inhibiting chronic bacterial infections and associated inflammation. In the article “Pattern of polyphenol intake and the long-term risk of dementia in older persons,” Drs. Lefevre-Arbogast et al. found that a diet containing certain plant products (nuts, citrus, berries, leafy vegetables, soy, cereals, and olive oil) along with red wine and tea was associated with lower dementia risk in a prospective French cohort of older persons: the Three-City Study. In response and postulating about the underlying mechanisms behind the study's findings, Dr. Brenner notes that plant polyphenols have antibacterial qualities that might help reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease by inhibiting chronic bacterial infections and associated inflammation.