Dementia cases increase constantly every year as the world’s ageing population expands. So far, there is no an effective therapy for those who suffer memory loss, therefore, prevention seems to be the essential to address this public health problem.
One of the latest studies focuses its attention on blueberries and their benefits for dementia (1). Blueberries contain an ingredient called anthocyanins which has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Apparently, this powerful ingredient has been associated with increased neuronal signaling in the brain, mediating memory function, as well as improved glucose disposal.
All these benefits may help to diminish neurodegeneration if people consume a daily drink of blueberry juice. It could be a useful intervention for older adults with memory problems.
The average age of people who took part in the study was 76.2 years old. The research also considered their educational average which was 15.6 years. Participants were assigned to receive a daily dose of wild blueberry juice equivalent to between 6 and 9 ml per kilogram of body weight per day, for a period of 12 weeks. Results showed significant improvement in learning and word list recall.
Less depressed
Study also brought up a reduced depressive symptoms and lower glucose levels. The researchers compared the memory performance of the blueberry subjects with a demographically-matched sample who consumed a berry placebo beverage in a companion trial of identical design to provide some assurance that the observed changes in memory performance were not attributable to practice effects.
The researchers concluded their trial by stating: “the findings of this preliminary study suggest that moderate-term blueberry supplementation can confer neurocognitive benefit and establish a basis for more comprehensive human trials, to study preventive potential and neuronal mechanisms”.
