THE ESSENTIAL
- Eating blueberries is effective in preventing the risk of dementia
- Experts predict up to 14 million cases of Alzheimer’s cases by 2050
“The consumption of blueberries can correct a deficit and/or an age-related cognitive decline”, this is the conclusion of a study published in the scientific journal Nutrients.
Adults over 50
The researchers recruited 33 adults over the age of 50 who had gained weight. They were all insulin resistant like nearly 50% of middle-aged adults in the United States, and were at high risk for future dementia.
In effect, insulin resistance results in excessively high blood glucose levels which promote neurodegeneration.
A first group received the equivalent of a handful of blueberries a day for three months, the other had to stop consuming them completely.
Cognitive tests were carried out throughout the experiment.
Significant improvement
The researchers found a significant improvement in the memory of the participants who had consumed the most of these fruits.
According to the authors, the berries may have a protective effect because they contain anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that can reduce inflammation and favorably alter the gut microbiota, which influences insulin receptor sensitivity and other aspects. metabolic and immune function.
“The demonstration of these benefits in middle-aged people with insulin resistance and cognitive decline suggests that continued berry supplementation may help protect against cognitive decline when implemented early in people at risk”, concludes Dr Robert Krikorian, who led the study.
Prevent degeneration
While nearly six million seniors live with dementia in the United States and Alzheimer’s disease represents up to 80% of dementia cases, there is no treatment.
Thus, targeted preventive approaches such as avoiding poor nutrition and the resulting metabolic disturbances are encouraged.
In the case of bilberry, preliminary studies indicated that it can improve cognitive performance and influence metabolism and brain function and may therefore have a role in preventing neurodegeneration early on.