Cognitive Impact of Pomegranate Polyphenols Following Ischemic Stroke

The Effects of Pomegranate Polyphenols on Neuropsychological Functioning Following Ischemic Stroke

The purpose of this study is to determine whether pomegranate supplements improve cognitive functioning following stroke.

Research suggests that antioxidants (substances that may slow or prevent cell damage) found in many fruits and vegetables may help improve brain functioning (for example, memory and attention) in healthy individuals and prevent cognitive decline in individuals who have suffered a stroke. The purpose of this research study is to examine whether dietary supplementation with an antioxidant extract can help promote healthy cognitive functioning as a component of recovery after stroke. The procedures include: Administering polyphenols via 2 POMx pills, each of which contains polyphenols derived from pomegranates equivalent to the content of approximately 8 ounces of pomegranate juice, or placebo pills (capsules containing no polyphenol ingredients), every day for one week to inpatients who are in the acute post-stroke phase. Neuropsychological testing pre- and post-treatment will determine whether cognitive functioning changes. Subjects will be randomized into either a placebo or polyphenol group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Suffered an ischemic stroke and admitted to LLUMC Rehabilitation Institute for inpatient care
• Fluent in English
• Between the age of 18 and 89 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Less than 6 years of education
• Global aphasia
• Pregnant
• History of allergy to pomegranates
• History of traumatic brain injury
• Neurodegenerative disease or neurologic condition with known cognitive impact (e.g., Alzheimer's disease)
• Active renal disease
• Active liver disease
• Intracerebral hemorrhage in past 6 months
• Neurosurgery in past month
• Taking warfarin (Coumadin)