For years, scientists have been trying to understand why people who drink alcohol in moderation have a lower risk of cognitive decline.

One hypothesis involves the benefits of consuming the antioxidant resveratrol, which is found in grapes and red wine.

Investigators from 21 sites across the United States recently revealed the results of their study of resveratrol pills on 100 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia.

This placebo-controlled study indicated that patients taking daily resveratrol had more of the amyloid protein in their cerebral spinal fluid, which is an indication of levels of lower brain amyloid.

This Alzheimer’s-related protein accumulates in brain regions that control memory, thinking, and other mental skills.

Although a promising start, the study was not large enough to determine all of resveratrol’s potential brain benefits, particularly its impact on a patient’s cognitive abilities.