There appears to be a potential role for cocoa flavanols in addressing reduced cognition associated with aging. Preliminary animal studies on the role of oxidative stress and inflammation as major contributors to the behavioral and cognitive decline seen with aging show promising results. It has been well documented that as people age, the central nervous system becomes more vulnerable to the effects of oxidative stress. Research has already pointed out that certain inflammatory reactions appear to play a role in the apparent impairment of working memory.
