After recently reading the third article on the benefits of eating berries as related to slowing the progression of cognitive decline in women, I felt I should pass this information along to our A Caring Heart blog readers. 

A study published in the Annals of Neurology found women with a higher berry intake delayed cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years.  Dr. Devore from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston explains that the flavonoids found in plants are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.  In particular, blueberries and strawberries are a rich source of anthocyanidins, a type of flavonoid, “which are known to cross from the blood into the brain and locate in the parts involved in learning and memory.”  Flavonoids are also thought to decrease the “effects of stress and inflammation that could contribute to cognitive decline.”  

The study indicated that a simple dietary adjustment to include one half to one cup of blueberries or one cup or more of strawberries a week may over time help retain cognitive functioning that includes memory and learning.

The study controlled for other health factors, but also couldn’t “rule out the possibility that the preserved cognition in those who eat more berries also may be influenced by other lifestyle choices, such as exercising more.”

Simple changes in diet and activity certainly can’t hurt as we age.  With a goal to live independently as long as possible, simple changes now might make all the difference.   Assisted living and Memory Care units are necessary when the time comes, but being able to delay the need is nice, too.