Abstract

The question of whether some degree of cognitive deterioration is an inevitable part of aging or should be considered as a pathological pre-stage of dementia is currently debated. This is a field in need of research because furtherdecline in cognition might be preventable in the early stages of cognitive impairment. Oxidative stress is believed to be themain responsible for the decline of cognitive function often observable with aging. Brain tissue has relatively little antioxidantprotection thus being particularly vulnerable to oxidative insults. The evidence from experimental, clinical and epidemiologicalstudies supports the notion that consumption of antioxidants may preserve cognitive functions and prevent dementia.