Blueberries could help prevent Alzheimer’s, says new study

As if there weren’t already enough reasons to love blueberries – not least their potential for lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer – new research has shown that they could also help to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s, according to a statement.
 
Researchers think the super fruit’s antioxidants can prevent the effects of a disease which currently affects 5.3 million Americans and could affect 7 million by 2025.
The research was presented at the 251st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which features more than 12,500 presentations on a wide range of science topics.
“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,” said Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., leader of the research team. He explained that the desirable effects could be due to flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve cognition in animals.
Increased brain activity
Krikorian and colleagues at University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center followed earlier trials with two human studies.
One looked at 47 adults aged 68 and older with mild cognitive impairment, which is a risk condition for Alzheimer’s disease. They were given either freeze-dried blueberry powder – equivalent to a cup of berries – or a placebo powder once a day for 16 weeks.
“There was improvement in cognitive performance and brain function in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo,” Krikorian said. “The blueberry group demonstrated improved memory and improved access to words and concepts.” Those who took the blueberry powder also showed increased brain activity in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
The second study involved 94 people aged 62 to 80 who didn’t show cognitive issues but who subjectively felt their memories were declining. They were split into four groups who respectively were given blueberry powder, fish oil, fish oil and powder, or a placebo.
“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.” The fMRI results were also not as impressive as with those receiving blueberry powder, although this could be due to the fact that the participants in the second study had less severe issues.
Krikorian explained that the two studies suggest blueberries may be more effective in treating patients with cognitive impairments, but may not show measurable benefit for those with minor memory issues or who have not yet developed cognitive problems.
Future studies on the benefits of blueberry consumption in fighting Alzheimer’s will look at people aged 50 to 65, some of who are at risk of developing the degenerative condition – such as those who are obese, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
—–
Image credit: Thinkstock