The Role of Resveratrol in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review

Advancing age is one of the risk factors for developing many diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative alterations, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Studies have indicated that supplementation with resveratrol (RSV) might improve cerebrovascular function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of RSV on MCI and AD. MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE were used to perform the search, and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Five studies met the eligible criteria; three with AD and two with MCI. In AD patients, the use of RSV reduces A beta levels, improves brain volume, reduces the Mini-mental status score, and improves AD scores. In patients with MCI, this polyphenol prevents decline in Standard Volumes of Interest and increases the Resting-state Functional Connectivity score. RSV can activate the human silent information regulator 2/sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1) and can inhibit the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase, and nuclear factor-kappa B, resulting in the reduction of the proinflammation pathways. It is also associated with the increase in the levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and reduction of interferon-gamma and IL-17. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can be related to preventing neurodegenerative diseases, doing maintenance, and enabling the recovery of these conditions directly related to inflammation and oxidative stress. We suggest that the use of RSV can bring beneficial effects to patients with MCI or AD.

Automated summary

This systematic review assessed the effects of resveratrol (RSV) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The results showed that in AD patients, RSV improved brain volume, reduced Mini-mental status score, and improved AD scores. In MCI patients, RSV prevented decline in Standard Volumes of Interest and increased Resting-state Functional Connectivity score. RSV has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may contribute to preventing and promoting recovery of neurodegenerative diseases.