Health
Strawberries May Lower Dementia Risk, Studies Say
Health Points
- Strawberries contain antioxidants that support brain health and may lower Alzheimer’s risk.
- Regular strawberry consumption improved memory and cognitive function in recent clinical research.
- Other flavonoid-rich foods, like apples and tea, also offer cognitive benefits.
More than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, a figure poised to increase significantly in the coming decades. While genetics and age play roles, new research highlights diet as a modifiable factor for maintaining cognitive health.
Experts are now pointing to strawberries as a star superfood for brain wellness. These berries are packed with flavonoids, which have been shown to help reduce mental decline as we age.
Recent clinical trials at the University of Cincinnati explored the impact of daily strawberry intake for middle-aged adults experiencing insulin resistance and early memory issues. After 12 weeks, participants who ate strawberries showed improved long-term memory and executive function.
“Reduced memory interference refers to less confusion of semantically related terms on a word-list learning test,” explained Robert Krikorian, PhD, from the UC College of Medicine. “This phenomenon generally is thought to reflect better executive control in terms of resisting intrusion of non-target words during the memory testing.”
The researchers suggested these brain benefits may be due in part to reduced inflammation in those who ate strawberries regularly.
Additional research from the Nurses’ Health Study found that people who consumed more anthocyanidins and flavonoids from strawberries and blueberries experienced slower mental decline. Those with lower intakes faced a fourfold increase in Alzheimer’s risk compared to high-flavonoid consumers.
Besides berries, other foods like apples, tea, pears, onions, and dark chocolate are rich in antioxidants and may also contribute to better cognitive aging.
Incorporating nutrient-dense foods, staying active mentally and physically, getting enough rest, and managing health conditions all play important roles in brain health. For personalized advice, consult with your healthcare professional.
