A recent study indicates that strawberries could play a role in reducing the risk of dementia in adults struggling with excess weight, says EurekAlert. The research involved 30 middle-aged, overweight adults who reported having mild cognitive impairment. Over 12 weeks, they observed a reduction in memory issues and fewer depressive symptoms by consuming strawberries daily. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 5 men and 25 women. One group consumed a strawberry-based powder, while the other received a placebo powder. The findings revealed that participants who consumed the whole fruit strawberry powder experienced a decrease in “intrusion errors” during a word list learning task over the 12-week intervention.
In addition, memory issues are a common sign of late-life dementia, making the reduced occurrence in the group taking whole strawberry fruit powder a significant finding. Furthermore, those who consumed the complete strawberry fruit powder reported a decrease in depressive symptoms, implying that strawberries may have a positive impact on emotional well-being.
Lead researcher Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, noted the importance of understanding dementia, stressing the lack of known cures for the disease. He further emphasized the significance of prevention and mitigation through dietary and lifestyle choices.
Interestingly, there is evidence suggesting a potential connection between excess weight and an elevated risk of dementia. According to Interesting Engineering, various health conditions affecting individuals with obesity – such as diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases – can impact the brain’s blood supply and potentially increase the risk of vascular dementia. Chronic inflammation, often linked to obesity, may also impact brain function and is associated with various neurodegenerative diseases.
The researchers further explained that due to the belief that dementia develops over several decades, they specifically focused their study on middle-aged, overweight individuals. This choice was motivated by the connection between being overweight and inflammation, which is recognized as a contributing factor to cognitive decline.
Furthermore, previous investigations have shown a correlation between a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and the presence of a bioactive compound predominantly found in strawberries. Long-term observational studies have also indicated that regular strawberry consumption is associated with lower rates of cognitive decline.
The entire study is published in the Nutrients Journal.
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