Relationship of Wine Consumption with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most threatening neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the loss of memory and language function, an unbalanced perception of space, and other cognitive and physical manifestations. The pathology of AD is characterized by neuronal loss and the extensive distribution of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). The role of environment and the diet in AD is being actively studied, and nutrition is one of the main factors playing a prominent role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, the relationship between dementia and wine use/abuse has received increased research interest, with varying and often conflicting results. Scope and Approach: With this review, we aimed to critically summarize the main relevant studies to clarify the relationship between wine drinking and AD, as well as how frequency and/or amount of drinking may influence the effects. Key Findings and Conclusions: Overall, based on the interpretation of various studies, no definitive results highlight if light to moderate alcohol drinking is detrimental to cognition and dementia, or if alcohol intake could reduce risk of developing AD.

Dietary Habits and Risk of Early-Onset Dementia in an Italian Case-Control Study

“…Contrary to our expectations based on the epidemiologic literature, we found no clear and meaningful relation between wine or alcohol intake and disease risk. No consumption and excessive consumption of wine or alcohol have both been associated with increased dementia risk [76,77]. In particular, a J-shaped relation has been proposed where low-to-moderate intake was associated with reduced risk, while both null and elevated intakes were correlated with increased risk [78][79][80].…”

Assessment of the Vanillin Anti-Inflammatory and Regenerative Potentials in Inflamed Primary Human Gingival Fibroblast

“…In many diseases, local inflammation could determine systemic inflammation, characterized by systemic oxidative stress, activation of circulating inflammatory cells, and increased circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines. The influence of inflammatory response by phenolic compounds has become the focus of several new treatment strategies with promising results [ 18 , 19 ]. The use of Vanillin in oral inflammatory diseases has not yet been evaluated, although its interesting effects on oxidative stress and inflammation may represent a new strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.…”

A Grape Juice Supplemented with Natural Grape Extracts Is Well Accepted by Consumers and Reduces Brain Oxidative Stress

“…According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with dementia worldwide was 46.8 million in 2015 but is expected to rise to 131.5 million by 2050 [ 4 ]. Dementia is the main symptom of NDs, and AD represents approximately 60–70% of all dementia cases [ 5 , 6 ]. ND are characterized by progressive loss of selectively vulnerable neuron populations in specific brain areas [ 7 ].…”

“…Alzheimer’s disease is defined by the progressive loss of short- and long-term memory, which results in an increasing cognitive deficit that leads to impaired activities of daily living [ 9 ]. Several factors including aging, diabetes mellitus, and oxidative stress, affect the risk of developing NDs [ 5 , 10 ]. On the other hand, decreased risk of AD is related with physically and cognitively stimulating activities and adherence to the Mediterranean diet [ 11 ].…”