"January    It is normal for cognitive function to slightly deteriorate with age. Memory capacity begins to worsen along with processing speed and the ability to form longterm memories. Finding a way to defer the onset of these issues becomes increasingly important as life expectancy gets longer and global populations age. This study conducted by researchers from Italys University of LAquila and Mars Incorporated reinforces the results of several recent cognitive studiesthrowing more light on the important role diet plays in maintaining cognitive health. Dr. Giovambattista Desideri lead author on the paper said The results of this study are encouragingthey support the idea that diet and specifically a diet rich in cocoa flavanols can play an important role in maintaining cognitive health as we age. This study was the second installment in a twopart investigation by this team into the effects cocoa flavanols have on the brain. The first study published in the journal Hypertension in  found cognitive and cardiometabolic benefits of habitual cocoa flavanol consumption in older adults who had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment MCI. Despite these findings the question of the benefits of cocoa flavanols on cognitive function among individuals without MCI remained uncertain. This second study just published in the AJCN looked to address this question. Enrolling men and women aged  years with no evidence of cognitive dysfunction the participants in this controlled randomized doubleblind study were assigned to one of three flavanol groups consuming a drink containing either high  mg intermediate  mg or low  mg amounts of cocoa flavanols every day for eight weeks. The nutritionally matched drinks were specially prepared. The high and intermediateflavanol cocoa drinks were produced using Mars patented Cocoapro process while the lowflavanol drink was made with a highly processed alkalized cocoa powder. Other than the inclusion of the test drink normal diets and regular lifestyle were maintained throughout the study. At the start of the study and again after eight weeks cognitive function was assessed using a battery of tests that examined memory retention recall as well as executive function. Among those individuals who regularly consumed either the high or intermediateflavanol drinks there were significant improvements in overall cognitive function after only eight weeks. As cognitive function was normal for this aged population this study shows that even cognitively healthy individuals can quickly benefit from the regular inclusion of cocoa flavanols in their diets. In addition to evaluating cognitive function the researchers also monitored insulin resistance blood pressure and other metabolic markers. Excitingly there was also evidence of improvements in these cardiometabolic outcomes. In the high and intermediateflavanol groups both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were reduced and insulin resistance was significantly improved. In contrast only a modest improvement in diastolic blood pressure was observed in the lowflavanol group with no significant improvements in either systolic blood pressure or insulin resistance among the consumers of the lowflavanol drink. It is not yet fully understood how cocoa flavanols bring about improvements in cognitive function but the studys authors suggest that the improvements in insulin resistance and blood pressure could be revealing. Earlier studies suggest a central role for insulin resistance in brain aging said Desideri. These results could therefore provide some insight into a possible mechanism of action for the cognitive improvements we have observed. Over the past decade there has been significant evidence indicating that consuming cocoa flavanols improves vascular function. Dr. Catherine KwikUribe human health and nutrition director at Mars Incorporated and coauthor on this latest study said Since the brain is a heavily vascularized tissue we might also be looking at vascular improvements as underlying the observed improvements in cognitive function. Dr. KwikUribe went on to speak about Mars flavanol research program that has spanned over two decades The amount of research showing the beneficial effects of cocoa flavanol consumption is growing and Mars is proud to be a partner in important research like this that highlights the positive role cocoa flavanols may play in supporting healthy aging. Dr. Desideri and his team are already thinking about the next steps It is clear from our latest research and other recent studies that cocoa flavanols have profound effects on the body and specifically the brain said Desideri. Now wed like to know how they work and how long the effects last. If these further studies confirm the findings that brain health can be improved by consuming dietary flavanols it may have the potential to affect the daily lives of millions of people worldwide. Note to Editors This research trial was carried out with a special cocoa flavanol test product designed to deliver a standardized amount of flavanols within a nutritionally suitable drink. This test product is currently not commercially available. Flavanol content of commercially available chocolate is variable and given its macronutrient profile it is not recommended as a health food. About Cocoa Flavanols  Flavanols are a distinct group of naturally occurring compounds that can be found in a variety of foods such as tea and red wine. Cocoa flavanols refers to the group of bioactives found naturally in fresh cocoa beans. Cocoa is an especially rich source of flavanols and the type and mixture of flavanols and procyanidins found in cocoa is unique. Mars studies show cocoa flavanols have a range of proven health benefits including improved circulation and cardiovascular health. For more information please visit Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science at http  About the Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science  For more than  years and based on collaborating with a multidisciplinary group of international experts Mars Incorporated has been conducting comprehensive and innovative research with a network of scientific collaborators around the world to advance the understanding of cocoa flavanols and their health benefits for the purpose of improving human health. Building on decades of research in cocoa flavanols the Mars Center for Cocoa Health Science MCCHS was formally established in  as a Center of Excellence to pioneer capture and share the latest scientific research in the field. MCCHS provides access to more than  years of gold standard research over  published peerreviewed scientific papers videos slides and other information that Mars Incorporated and its collaborators have developed to advance cocoa flavanol understanding. For more information please visit http Follow us twitter.comCocoaHealthSci httptwitter.comCocoaHealthSci About Mars Incorporated  In  Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma Washington kitchen and established Mars first roots as a confectionery company. In the s Forrest E. Mars Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY bar. In  Forrest Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders  this objective serves as the foundation of Mars Incorporated today. Based in McLean Virginia Mars has net sales of more than  billion six business segments including Petcare Chocolate Wrigley Food Drinks Symbioscience and more than  Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.  For more information please visit http Follow us facebook.commars httpfacebook.commars twitter.commarsglobal httptwitter.commarsglobal youtube.commars httpyoutube.commars linkedin.comcompanymars httplinkedin.comcompanymars Media Contact  Daniella Foster  Director Science Communications and Corporate Affairs  Mars Symbioscience    MCCHSmss.effem.com mailtoMCCHSmss.effem.com Reference  Daniela Mastroiacovo Catherine KwikUribe Davide Grassi Stefano Necozione Angelo Raffaele Luana Pistacchio Roberta Righetti Raffaella Bocale Maria Carmela Lechiara Carmine Marini Claudio Ferri and Giovambattista Desideri. Cocoa flavanol consumption improves cognitive function blood pressure control and metabolic profile in elderly subjects the Cocoa Cognition and Aging CoCoA Studya randomized controlled trial American Journal of Clinical Nutrition First published ahead of print December   as doi .ajcn..."