Cocoa flavanols (Mars Symbioscience) may improve cognition according to Italian study - 15-Aug-2012

A study conducted by researchers from the University of L'Aquila in Italy and Mars Symbioscience provides evidence that the regular consumption of dietary cocoa flavanols may improve cognitive function in elderly subjects with early memory decline. Previous research has suggested that the benefits of cocoa flavanols could extend to the brain. However, these studies were either only short-term or did not demonstrate a consistent cognitive benefit. This new study provides insights into the possibility of slowing cognitive declines associated with aging through consumption of these compounds. The improvements in cognitive function were seen over a relatively short period of time and, while further research is required to confirm and expand on these findings, this provides initial evidence that regular consumption of cocoa flavanols might be effective in improving cognitive function in elderly subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment.