Link discovered between red wine and Alzheimer's treatment

Scientists have found evidence to suggest an ingredient found in red wine could aid cognitive activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease or other neurological conditions.

Research undertaken by scientists in Barcelona has found that resveratrol increases life expectancy in mice with age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and the team likened the results to those obtained through calorie restriction techniques.

Though untested sufficiently in humans, calorie restriction has been proven to prolong mean life expectancy in rodents and other animals as long as malnutrition is prevented.

Resveratrol is found in red grapes and as such is present in red wine. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

The study was led by Dr Porquet of the Institut de Biomedicina in Barcelona and he reported that resveratrol can "improve cognitive deficits" and have "neuroprotective" effects.

However, the team do not advocate drinking red wine to obtain resveratrol and instead recommend taking the dietary supplement.