Drink Up! Champagne Helps Prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia, Study Finds

The study conducted by the University of Reading found between one to three glasses a week may counteract memory loss associated with ageing and as a result could help delay the onset of degenerative brain disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.

How so? Champagne has high levels of phenolics compounds, which are believed to be responsible for the beneficial effects of champagne on the brain. "The compounds work by modulating signals in the hippocampus and cortex, which control memory and learning. The compounds were found to favourably alter a number of proteins linked to the effective storage of memories in the brain.  Many of these are known to be depleted with age, making memory storage less efficient, and leading to poorer memory in old age and conditions such as dementia," writes University of Reading in a statement.

These compounds are derived predominantly from the two red grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are used in its production along with the white grape Chardonnay. 

Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences Professor, Jeremy Spencer said, "These exciting results illustrate for the first time that the moderate consumption of champagne has the potential to influence cognitive functioning, such as memory.  Such observations have previously been reported with red wine, through the actions of flavonoids contained within it."

He also added, "However, our research shows that champagne, which lacks flavonoids, is also capable of influencing brain function through the actions of smaller phenolic compounds, previously thought to lack biological activity. We encourage a responsible approach to alcohol consumption, and our results suggest that a very low intake of one to two glasses a week can be effective."

Lab mice who were fed small quantities of the celebratory beverage were found to perform better on memory tests.

Researcher Dr. David Vauzour said, "in the near future we will be looking to translate these findings into humans.  This has been achieved successfully with other polyphenol-rich foods, such as blueberry and cocoa, and we predict similar outcomes for moderate Champagne intake on cognition in humans."   

The story was conducted in 2013, but The Independent reports they have reached out to researchers for an update on the human trials.

But for now, enjoy a glass or two at the next wedding or holiday party this morning.