POLYPHENOLS AS PROTECTIVE AGENTS AGAINST NEUROTOXICITY AND NEURODEGENERATION: THE CASE OF TEA POLYPHENOLS

Europe has the highest proportion of older persons in the World. As population ages, it is imperative to find new strategies to avoid or counteract the effects of the incurable neurodegenerative diseases, which already represent a great financial and emotional burden for health care systems, patients, and their families. In this talk, Branca Silva (PhD) will discuss whether polyphenols obtained from diet or food supplements constitute an effective and low-cost strategy to prevent or treat neurodegeneration and neurotoxicity. Special focus will be given to the recent works of her research team about the beneficial effects to the brain of the regular consumption of white tea (Camellia sincensis L.) and its polyphenols. She will also highlight the safety, mechanisms of action, and the current and future relevance of polyphenols in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.