(NaturalHealth365)  Blueberry has long been known as a superfood loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and health-boosting compounds.  Research conducted by Erin L. Boespflug and colleagues shows that the benefits of blueberries also extend to preventing and even reversing cognitive decline associated with aging.

The research showed significantly raised neural responses and activity in older individuals who took blueberry powder daily over 16 weeks.  The study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, and the results were published in Nutritional Neuroscience.  Additionally, a new study explored similar benefits of wild blueberries, specifically on vascular and cognitive health in aging adults, as detailed below.

Wild blueberries enhance cognitive and vascular health in aging adults

Recent research reveals new benefits of blueberries for cognitive and vascular health, particularly in wild varieties.  A 2023 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the effects of wild blueberry polyphenols on healthy older adults.  As a double-blind, randomized controlled trial, this study enrolled 61 participants aged 65-80 who consumed either 26 grams of freeze-dried wild blueberry powder or a placebo daily for 12 weeks.

Results from this trial showed notable improvements in vascular function and cognitive performance.  Specifically, the group consuming wild blueberries exhibited significant increases in flow-mediated dilation, a key indicator of endothelial function, and a reduction in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure.  Cognitive enhancements included better immediate recall on verbal learning tasks and improved accuracy in task-switching activities.

Blueberry research reveals good news for those concerned about dementia

In the study published in Nutritional Neuroscience, subjects were all between the ages of 68 and 92 years old, and all demonstrated mild cognitive impairment (MCI) related to aging at the beginning of the study.  The subjects all consumed freeze-dried blueberry powder throughout the 16-week study period.  After the trial, the positive difference in consuming blueberries was clear.

The study participants with MCI did not have dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or any other neurological conditions.  For the trial, a control group received a placebo powder.  The other group received a blueberry powder supplement daily that was measured to provide the equivalent of 1 cup of blueberry fruit (taken twice daily).

Before and after the 16-week study period, the subjects were given functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a task that engaged their working memory.  This was done to help measure, track, and evaluate any changes in brain functioning following the study.

Untreated, mild cognitive impairment can lead to Alzheimer’s disease

After the 16-week study period, the researchers found that the persons who received the blueberry powder (versus placebo) showed significant improvements to blood oxygen levels in the brain and dependent signaling in three specific regions.  By contrast, those who received the placebo powder showed decreased brain activity in one region.

Those eating the equivalent of one cup of blueberries per day also showed memory improvements.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition where cognitive functioning has declined to a level considered inferior to levels associated with the normal aging process.  MCI is linked with a significantly higher risk of eventually developing various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Conventionally speaking, at this time, there are no effective drug treatments available for treating dementia, so prevention is always the best defense.

The benefits of blueberries get validated by science

The researchers believe these results prove and support past data showing flavonoid compounds like those found in blueberries help improve brain vascular functioning.  Keep in mind the flavonoids, antioxidant compounds, and phytochemicals in blueberries have also been linked with cancer prevention.

These study results show a definitive, direct correlation between eating blueberries and a reversal of the signs of cognitive decline.  The bottom line is that the pharmaceutical industry is no match for the power of nutrition, especially when it comes to healing the body and avoiding disease symptoms.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Tandfonline.com
Lifeextension.com