A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of resveratrol for Alzheimer disease
Key Finding
Resveratrol (up to 2g daily) stabilized brain volume loss and reduced neuroinflammation biomarkers in Alzheimer's patients.
Plain-English Summary
This phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated resveratrol in 119 participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease over 52 weeks. Participants received escalating doses up to 1g twice daily.
While resveratrol did not significantly alter clinical outcomes, it produced notable biomarker changes: brain volume loss was stabilized, and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers showed reduced neuroinflammation. Resveratrol crossed the blood-brain barrier and achieved biologically active brain concentrations.
Resveratrol activates sirtuins (SIRT1), which regulate cellular stress responses, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function. The biomarker improvements suggest neuroprotective effects that may require longer treatment or earlier intervention to translate into clinical benefits. The high doses used were generally well-tolerated.