Take Blueberries to Prevent Alzheimer

As a superfood blueberries have already prized for its antioxidant properties. Blueberries have benefits on memory and cognitive function. A new American research has highlighted it.

This wonderful fruit can fight against the devastating effects of dementia. For an example Alzheimer’s disease could be mentioned.

It was known earlier that blueberries protect the heart and cut the risk of cancer. Now researchers have been studying blueberries for their effects on brain aging.

Previous studies showed that daily consumption of blueberries could reduce blood pressure in eight weeks only.

A study which was published in April 2013 found that blueberries contain polyphenols. Polyphenols encourage autophagy. Autophagy is a cellular self-cleaning process. This process removes toxic proteins which is built up in the brain.

In the latest study researchers monitored 47 American adults aged 68 and older. The participants had mild cognitive impairment.

The participants were given either freeze-dried blueberry powder, equivalent to a cup of berries or a placebo powder once a day. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati, USA conducted the study over a period of 16 weeks.

Those who took blueberry powder found their memory improved. They could access to words and concepts better. In comparison with those given the placebo, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan of the brain showed more dynamic brain activity in this group.

The second experiment was focused on 94 people who were aged 62 to 80. They subjectively felt their memories declining. Actually they had no objectively measured cognitive issues. The participants were split into four groups. One group were given blueberry powder. The other groups were given either fish oil, fish oil and powder or a placebo.

The second experiment found some improvement in cognitive function in those who were given either blueberry powder or fish oil. But, there was no improvement in memory. The MRI scan showed little specific increase in activity.

Eating blueberries could be beneficial if a cognitive impairment is already established. Researchers concluded this from the two experiment.

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. It causes the progressive and irreversible destruction of neurons. According to the USA’s Alzheimer’s Association, at present more than 5.3 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer’s. But this number could rise by 40 percent by 2025. The number could be triple by 2050.