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New research says blueberries may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Unknown 1:17 AM Alzheimer’s , blueberries , disease , help , prevent , research , says

<ul><li style="text-align: justify;">Scientists say new research showed that blueberries can help prevent Alzheimer’s</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">The fruit, which is known for its health boosting properties, can not just lower the risk of heart disease and cancer but fight Alzheimer’s disease, as well</li> <li style="text-align: justify;">The “superfruit” is filled with antioxidants that could prevent devastating effects of common form of dementia</li> </ul>Aside from its health boosting properties, blueberries could also help in preventing the effects of the increasingly common form of dementia. This was suggested by a new research as it stated that the “superfruit,” can not just lower the risk of heart disease and cancer but could also help combat Alzheimer’s disease, an article written by Lexi Finnigan on <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/12192732/Blueberries-may-help-present-Alzheimers-new-research-suggests.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&sf22496027=1&sf22496474=1&sf22496485=1">The Telegraph</a> noted. Based on reports, some scientists said the fruit is filled with healthful antioxidants that could serve beneficial in preventing the devastating effects of the increasingly common form of dementia. One study involved 47 patients with mild cognitive impairment whose age were from 68 and older, which is considered as a risk condition for Alzheimer’s disease. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati in the US. Patients were given either freeze-dried blueberry powder, which is equivalent to a cup of berries, or a placebo powder once a day for a period of 16 weeks. Gauging on the study, Dr. Robert Krikorian, lead researcher, said there was improvement in cognitive performance and brain function in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo. Krikorian added that MRI scans were also done on patients which showed increased brain activity in those who ingested the blueberry powder. Blueberries’ beneficial effects, according to him, could be due to flavonoids called anthocyanins, which have been shown to improve animals’ cognition. Meanwhile, s second study was tested on 94 people aged 62 to 80 who did not have measurable cognitive decline but reported experiencing memory loss. Reportedly, they were given blueberry powder, fish oil, and a placebo. Results of the second study proved as robust as with the first study, Dr. Krikorian noted. “Cognition was somewhat better for those with powder or fish oil separately, but there was little improvement with memory,” he said. In addition to this, the doctor said MRI results also were not as striking for those receiving blueberry powder. In conclusion, Dr. Krikorian stressed that the effect may have been smaller in the second study because the participants had less severe issues when they entered the research. The two studies, he said, indicate that blueberries may be more effective in treating patients with cognitive impairments, but may not show measurable benefit for those with minor memory issues or who have not yet developed cognitive problems. At present, the researchers plan to conduct a blueberry study with a younger group, aged 50 to 65, including people at risk of developing Alzheimer’s, such as those who are obese, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. With this, Dr. Krikorian said a possibility to help the researchers determine if blueberries could help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s may be derived. The results of the two studies were presented at the 251st National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in San Diego, California. <a href="http://kickerdaily.com/new-research-says-blueberries-help-prevent-alzheimers-disease/" rel="nofollow">Kicker Daily News</a>

Scientists say new research showed that blueberries can help prevent Alzheimer’s The fruit, which is known for its health boosting propertie...