Epidemiological studies support that light to moderate alcohol drinking (10-20g per day), may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, dementia, depression, and all-cause mortality. In addition, moderate red wine consumption has recently shown to be inversely associated with a decline in global cognitive function and the domains of memory and flexibility. The claimed beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet include prevention of several age-related dysfunctions including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These effects have been related to the protection against cognitive decline associated with aging and disease by a number of polyphenols found in red wine and virgin olive oil. Neurodegenerative diseases, as all chronic degenerative diseases, are linked to inflammation and its inter-twined phenomena: the oxidation and the oxidative damage. The interrelationship among chronic degenerative diseases is also evidenced by the fact that vascular (cardiovascular) risk factors are associated to cognitive decline, and these vascular factors are currently the only known modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer disease.