Recent studies indicate that daily intake of strawberries may play a role in lowering the risk of dementia among middle-aged individuals, possibly by enhancing cognitive abilities and reducing signs of depression, with these benefits attributed to the fruit’s anti-inflammatory characteristics. Continued investigation is necessary to substantiate these preliminary results.
The findings, emanating from the University of Cincinnati, were published in the journal “Nutrients.”
Study context
The initial research in 2022 by Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., from UC, and colleagues demonstrated that including blueberries in the diets of certain middle-aged groups could decrease the likelihood of later-life dementia. This latest inquiry into strawberries builds upon these earlier findings.
“Strawberries, like blueberries, are rich in antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which have been connected to various health benefits, including improvements in metabolism and cognition,” stated Krikorian, a professor emeritus at UC’s College of Medicine in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience Department. “Epidemiological evidence suggests that regular consumers of these berries experience a more gradual cognitive decline as they age.”
Robert Krikorian, Ph.D. Credit: University of Cincinnati
Krikorian also noted that strawberries have additional micronutrients such as ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which are known for their health advantages.
Approximately half of the U.S. population starts showing signs of insulin resistance, or prediabetes, in their middle years, a condition linked to chronic diseases. While previous studies have focused on the metabolic and cardiovascular benefits of strawberries, there has been limited research on their impact on cognitive health.
“This study aimed to determine if strawberry consumption could enhance cognitive function and metabolic health among this demographic and to see if cognitive improvements correlate with reduced metabolic disturbances,” Krikorian explained.
Study design
The study involved 30 overweight individuals aged between 50 and 65 years, all exhibiting mild cognitive impairment. This group is considered to be at heightened risk for dementia and other health issues in later life.
Participants were monitored over a 12-week span, during which they were to avoid all berry consumption except for a daily supplement powder mixed with water, taken with their breakfast. Half were given a powder equating to a cup of strawberries, while the others received a placebo.
The assessment involved cognitive tests focused on long-term memory, mood evaluations, depressive symptoms intensity, and metabolic health over the study duration.
Participants who consumed the strawberry powder displayed reduced memory interference, suggesting an improvement in executive functions.
“Reduced memory interference is when there is less confusion of related words during memory tests, which typically indicates better executive control,” said Krikorian. “This can lead to enhanced emotional regulation and coping strategies, possibly improving problem-solving abilities.”
The study also noted a marked decrease in depressive symptoms among those taking the strawberry powder, a change that could stem from improved cognitive function. Although other research on strawberries has shown metabolic benefits like reduced insulin levels, this study did not find significant metabolic health changes.
“The dosage of strawberry powder in those studies was higher than in ours, which could explain the difference,” Krikorian remarked.
Future directions
Krikorian suggests that the cognitive benefits observed might be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of strawberries, particularly in the brain.
“As we age, especially in midlife, excess body fat can increase inflammation, impacting the brain and possibly leading to a mild decline in executive functions,” he explained. “Therefore, the positive outcomes we saw may be linked to reduced inflammation in the group consuming strawberries.”
For future studies, Krikorian recommends involving more participants and experimenting with various dosages of strawberry supplements.
Citation: “Early Intervention in Cognitive Aging with Strawberry Supplementation” by Robert Krikorian, Marcelle D. Shidler, and Suzanne S. Summer, 18 October 2023, Nutrients.
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204431
This study received support and contributions of strawberry and placebo powders from the California Strawberry Commission, Watsonville, California 95076, USA.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Strawberry Dementia Prevention
Can eating strawberries reduce the risk of dementia?
Recent research from the University of Cincinnati suggests that daily strawberry consumption may lower dementia risk in middle-aged individuals by enhancing cognitive function and mood. However, more research is needed to fully confirm these findings.
What specific nutrients in strawberries are linked to cognitive benefits?
Strawberries contain antioxidants like anthocyanins, as well as micronutrients such as ellagitannins and ellagic acid, which have been associated with health benefits, including cognitive improvements.
Was the research on strawberry consumption and cognitive health conclusive?
The study indicated that strawberries might improve cognitive function and reduce depressive symptoms. Nonetheless, the researchers noted that larger studies and varying dosages are required for more conclusive evidence.
How does strawberry consumption affect cognitive functions?
Participants in the study who consumed strawberry powder showed improved executive abilities and reduced memory interference, which may reflect better cognitive control.
What does reduced memory interference mean in the context of this study?
Reduced memory interference refers to a decrease in the confusion of semantically related terms during memory tests, suggesting enhanced executive control and cognitive function.
Did the strawberry study find any metabolic health benefits?
While other studies have noted metabolic improvements with strawberry consumption, this particular research did not observe significant changes in metabolic health at the administered dosage.
What are the next steps recommended by the research team studying strawberries and cognitive health?
The researchers advocate for future studies with larger participant samples and varied strawberry supplementation dosages to explore the cognitive benefits further.
More about Strawberry Dementia Prevention
- University of Cincinnati Study on Strawberries and Dementia
- Nutrients Journal Publication
- About Anthocyanins and Cognitive Health
- Understanding Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes
- California Strawberry Commission
5 comments
Great news for berry lovers I guess, but let’s not forget a balanced diet is key, can’t just rely on strawberries to keep dementia at bay.
Wow, who would’ve thought strawberries could be a brain food, right? Gotta start adding them to my breakfast.
i always knew eating berries was good for you, but this takes it to a whole new level, great to see such research being done
This study sounds promising, but its a small sample size and they only used overweight people? seems like we need more diverse research before jumping to conclusions
Interesting read, but how come no effect on metabolic health was observed? i thought berries were supposed to be good for that too.