Study: Red wine protects against hearing loss and cognitive decline

The chemical resveratrol, found in red wine and red grapes can protect against hearing loss and cognitive decline, according to a new study. Smaller amounts of resveratrol are also found in other foods such as blueberries, peanuts and grape juice.

In a Medical News Today article, lead author Michael D. Seidman MD, of Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital, said the study focused on “resveratrol and its effect on bioinflammation, the body’s response to injury and something that is believed to be the cause of many health problems including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, aging and hearing.”

In animal experiments, researchers found that laboratory rats that ingested resveratrol before listening to loud noise for  extended periods suffered less long-term noise-induced hearing loss. To confirm findings of this research, further studies are needed to see whether the findings apply to humans.

The study was published in the February issue of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.