Super Food Against Dementia: Eating Blueberry Could Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease, Says Research

Blueberry is well-known as one of the best super food because it helps promote a healthy heart and lowers cancer risk. New research shows that a blueberry can do more than that as it also helps prevent the development of different forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

The research about the benefits of eating blueberry and its relationship with Alzheimer's disease was presented at the 251st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Medical Xpress reports. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center and involved giving "freeze-dried blueberry powder" -- which is equal to one cup of blueberries - or a placebo once daily to 47 adults aged 68 and above, for a period of 16 weeks.

"There was improvement in cognitive performance and brain function in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo," lead author Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., told Medical Xpress. "The blueberry group demonstrated improved memory and improved access to words and concepts."

A photo posted by Mari.N (@blueberrysmoothies) on Mar 11, 2016 at 10:24am PST

Krikorian noted that the research findings gave more proof that eating blueberry improves a person's memory and other brain functions. The doctor added that the blueberry's effects on the memory could be caused by its flavonoid content called anthocyanins. Past research shows that anthocyanins could improve animal cognition.

According to Mayo Clinic, "Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions." The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include forgetfulness, confusion, memory loss, personality changes, delusions and other cognitive difficulties.

Aside from helping to prevent different forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, eating blueberries has many other health benefits. A blueberry helps maintain a healthy heart, skin and bones; prevent cancer, hypertension and diabetes; improve mental health; promote better digestion and weight loss, according to Medical News Today.