Eating blueberries may protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in patients suffering mild cognitive impairment, a new study suggests.
The latest research isn’t the first to promote the healing powers of blueberry consumption. Previous findings show that eating the antioxidant-packed “super fruit” significantly lowers the risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other age-related illnesses.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center conducted two different studies.
The first study looked at 47 adults aged 68 and older who experienced mild cognitive impairment. Half the participants were given freeze-dried blueberry powder and the other had a placebo powder. They were instructed to take their assigned powder once a day for four months.
"There was improvement in cognitive performance and brain function in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo," lead researcher Robert Krikorian said in a news release. "The blueberry group demonstrated improved memory and improved access to words and concepts." The team also conducted functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which showed increased brain activity in those who ingested the blueberry powder.
The second study involved 94 participants between the ages of 62 and 80. Participants were divided into four different groups: blueberry powder, fish oil, fish oil and powder or placebo. Researchers noted that study participants in this study didn’t have measurable cognitive issues. However, all of them reported feeling declines in their memory.
"The results were not as robust as with the first study," Krikorian said. "Cognition was somewhat better for those with powder or fish oil separately, but there was little improvement with memory."
Krikorian and his team said that the latest findings suggest that blueberries may help stall Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in people suffering from mild cognitive impairment. However, more studies are needed to show that blueberries can also help boost memory in those who aren’t suffering from cognitive issues.
"Our new findings corroborate those of previous animal studies and preliminary human studies, adding further support to the notion that blueberries can have a real benefit in improving memory and cognitive function in some older adults," Krikorian explained.
The findings were presented at the 251st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society.
