Flavanol-Rich Cocoa and Cerebral Blood Flow

Flavanol-Rich Cocoa, Vascular Responses and Mechanisms

The purpose of the study is to learn whether or not cocoa has a beneficial effect on blood flow to the brain in older subjects with diabetes mellitus or hypertension (high blood pressure). We hypothesize that cocoa, which contains flavanols (a type of polyphenol), may help to promote blood flow to the brain in older people with diabetes or hypertension.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diabetes and/or hypertension

Exclusion Criteria:

• alzheimers disease, dementia, stroke, recent angina or heart attack