Although small in size, blueberries pack a big punch in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Known as a “super fruit”, it has been proven that these berries possess the power to help repair damaged brain cells and aid in improving memory and cognitive function.
Studies
A 2010 study showed that senior adults who consumed wild blueberry juice daily over a three month period, demonstrated improvement in both memory and learning.
Scientists from the University of Cincinnati conducted a study on adults with mild cognitive impairment. The group was divided with half of the participants receiving blueberry powder once a month for four months and the other half receiving a placebo. The group that received the blueberry powder exhibited improved memory and increased brain activity at the end of the study.
What’s in the berries?
Just what are in these berries that make them so valuable to the Alzheimer’s fight? Scientists are not 100% certain, but they believe that it is the high concentration of antioxidants contained in blueberries that make them so effective against this condition. Another theory is that the berries are able to eliminate the “protein tangles” associated with dementia.
Ready to add blueberries to your diet and wondering how? In most of the studies, blueberry juice or extract was used, but fresh blueberries are reasoned to be just as effective. Eating one half a cup of berries several days a week is the recommendation.
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