(NaturalHealth365)  Could a plump, little blueberry really hold colossal promise in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease?  New research adds to the growing evidence that blueberries, bursting with antioxidants, could help diminish the devastating defects of dementia.

Recognized as a “super fruit” for their proven ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, blueberries have now unveiled a captivating revelation.  Recently published study results reveal that specific flavonoids present in blueberries could hold the key to diminishing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

ALARMING statistics: The escalating impact of Alzheimer’s disease

Over 6 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is projected to surge as the population ages.  The Alzheimer’s Association foresees that by 2025, as many as 7 million people could be afflicted, with the potential to reach 13 million by 2050.  Tragically, at age 45, women have a one in five chance of developing Alzheimer’s in their lifetime, while men have a one in ten chance.

However, the impact of Alzheimer’s extends beyond human life – it also inflicts an immense financial toll, placing an enormous burden on society.  In 2023, the combined expenses for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia will amount to $345 billion for the nation.  However, projections indicate that by 2050, these costs may escalate dramatically, nearing the staggering sum of nearly $1 trillion.  Moreover, caregivers face significant financial strain, spending thousands of dollars each year to provide care for their loved ones battling Alzheimer’s.

Hope for Alzheimer’s disease patients:  Blueberries found to improve cognition and memory

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology investigated the effects of a polyphenol-rich grape and blueberry extract on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.  The six-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 143 participants aged 60 to 80 years.

The results showed that those who received the supplementation experienced greater improvements in the speed of information processing, visuospatial learning, and executive function compared to the placebo group.

A previous study yielded similarly promising outcomes.  Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center conducted two human studies as a continuation of their earlier clinical trials.  Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., the lead author, affirmed that the recent findings align with the results from both previous human and animal research. Dr. Krikorian and his colleagues believe that blueberries’ beneficial effects against Alzheimer’s could be due to certain flavonoids found in the berries.

In another study, 47 adults aged 68 and older exhibiting mild cognitive impairment – a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease – were given either freeze-dried blueberry powder or a placebo powder once a day for 16 weeks.  The blueberry powder was equivalent to one cup of fresh blueberries.

Participants who received blueberry powder demonstrated enhanced brain function and cognitive performance in comparison to the control group.  Notably, they exhibited improved memory and better access to words and concepts.

Berry bliss:  Clever ways to infuse blueberries into your diet

Harnessing the incredible benefits of blueberries in your daily diet is a breeze.  With their widespread availability in stores and farmers’ markets worldwide, these beloved berries offer a multitude of advantages.  To maximize health benefits and minimize exposure to chemicals, opting for organic varieties is key.

For optimal convenience and potency, two ingenious methods stand out: indulging in a powder of pure organic blueberry extract or savoring whole, organic berries.  Remember, baking or cooking blueberries will tend to compromise the nutritional potency of this remarkable fruit.  Embrace these clever ways to enjoy the wholesome goodness of blueberries and elevate your culinary experiences to berry bliss!

Editor’s note: Discover the many natural ways to avoid the threat of dementia.  Own the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Summit, created by NaturalHealth365 Programs and featuring many of the best brain health experts in the world.

Sources for this article include:

ALZ.org
NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Neurosciencenews.com