**6. Discussion: future directions**

The consumption of flavonoid-rich foods and supplements throughout life may have the potential to limit or even reverse the progression of cognitive decline related of aging and potentially delay the onset and progression of dementia. The mechanisms by which flavonoids modulate cognitive functions are yet to be fully established.

In relation to synaptic plasticity, it will be particularly important to investigate the potential effect of flavonoids that mediate the induction of long-term depression (LTD), short-term potentiation (STP), and long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampus area. To dementia, it will be important to investigate the potential utility of flavonoids in the modulation of amyloid β pathology in more detail. In addition, it will be important to clearer dietary recommendations on flavonoid intake (including potentially a "recommended daily intake" level). Indeed, there are a number of important questions still to be resolved.
