Cognitive Impact of Pomegranate Polyphenols Following Ischemic 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)