Blueberries may be the new weapon to fight Alzheimer’s; super fruit extends health benefits beyond cancer prevention

If a new research is to be believed, blueberries may prevent the devastating effects of the most common form of dementia – Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers, from the University of Cincinnati in the US, have shown that the super fruit is not only beneficial for potentially lowering the risk of cancer and heart diseases, but can also slow down Alzheimer’s progression.

According to The Telegraph, blueberries have immense health-boosting properties and are rich in much needed antioxidants. The study involved 47 adults, aged 68 or older. All of them had mild cognitive impairment, a risky sign for the onset of Alzheimer’s. They were either given a placebo powder once a day for 16 weeks or freeze-dried blueberry powder, equivalent to a cup of blueberries.

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The scientists also carried out MRI scans and found out there were improved memory and access to words and concepts.

“There was improvement in cognitive performance and brain function in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo. The blueberry group demonstrated improved memory and improved access to words and concepts,” said lead researcher Dr. Robert Krikorian.

According to Krikorian, the beneficial effects of blueberries may have been because of flavonoids called anthocyanins. In order to be doubly sure, the researchers carried out a second study with 94 people aged 62 to 80. This group was experiencing memory loss but didn’t have measurable cognitive decline. The group was tested with placebo, fish oil and blueberry powder.

“Cognition was somewhat better for those with powder or fish oil separately, but there was little improvement with memory,” said Krikorian.

The MRI results were also not as striking as the ones having blueberry powder. Thus, the two studies indicate that the super fruit may be less effective when there is minor memory issue or when someone has not developed cognitive problems. However, it may be extremely effective in treating patients with cognitive impairments.