Savor Strawberries Everyday to Keep Dementia at Bay

Highlights:

New research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that daily consumption of strawberries may reduce the risk of dementia in middle-aged individuals
The study, found that strawberries contain beneficial antioxidants and micronutrients, potentially improving cognitive function and emotional control
While further research is needed, these findings provide promising insights into the potential health benefits of strawberries

Research conducted by the University of Cincinnati has revealed that consuming strawberries daily may help lower the risk of dementia in specific middle-aged populations.

This study, led by UC's Robert Krikorian, PhD, extends the findings of his team's 2022 research, which demonstrated that adding blueberries to the daily diets of certain middle-aged individuals could decrease the likelihood of developing late-life dementia.

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Krikorian, a professor emeritus in the UC College of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, explains that both strawberries and blueberries contain anthocyanin antioxidants, which are associated with various health benefits, including cognitive and metabolic enhancements. Epidemiological data also suggests that regular consumption of these berries is linked to a slower rate of cognitive decline with aging ().

Strawberry’s Role in Cognitive Development

Apart from anthocyanins, strawberries contain other essential micronutrients, such as ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which have been associated with numerous health advantages.

While the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of strawberry consumption have been previously investigated, the cognitive effects of strawberries had not been extensively studied until now.

The research involved 30 overweight participants aged between 50 and 65, who reported mild cognitive decline. This population is at an elevated risk for late-life dementia and other common health conditions.

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Over a 12-week period, the participants were instructed to refrain from consuming any berry fruits, except for a daily supplement powder. Half of the participants were provided with powders equivalent to one cup of whole strawberries (the standard serving size), while the other half received a placebo.

Cognitive and Emotional Improvements after Study

Throughout the study, the participants underwent various cognitive assessments that measured their long-term memory and other cognitive abilities. Additionally, their mood, intensity of depressive symptoms, and metabolic data were tracked.

The group receiving the strawberry powder exhibited diminished memory interference, which indicates an overall improvement in executive ability. Krikorian elaborates on this, stating that reduced memory interference reflects better executive control when resisting the intrusion of non-target words during memory testing.

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Moreover, the strawberry-treated participants reported a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, which can be attributed to enhanced executive abilities, offering better emotional control and problem-solving skills.

Although other studies have suggested that strawberries can improve metabolic measures, such as lowering insulin levels, this specific study did not yield the same results.

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Krikorian speculates that this could be due to the differences in strawberry powder dosages used in various studies. However, he believes that the strawberry treatment in this study may have improved cognitive function by reducing brain inflammation.

As Krikorian explains, executive abilities tend to decline in midlife, and excess abdominal fat, insulin resistance, and obesity can increase inflammation, including in the brain. Therefore, it is plausible that the observed benefits are related to the moderation of inflammation in the strawberry group.

While these findings are promising, Krikorian acknowledges that more research is necessary.

Future trials should include larger participant samples and explore varying dosages of strawberry supplementation to further understand the potential cognitive and health benefits of daily strawberry consumption for middle-aged populations.

The impact of strawberries on reducing dementia risk and improving cognitive function is an exciting area of study that may offer hope for a healthier aging population.

Reference:

Early Intervention in Cognitive Aging with Strawberry Supplementation - (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/20/4431)

Source-Medindia