Blueberries and Brain Health in Older Adults: What a 12‑Week Study Shows
Researchers from King’s College London report that daily blueberry intake can support brain function and vascular health in older adults. The findings appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highlighting the potential for a simple dietary change to influence aging-related health risks.
With age, the risk of heart disease and neurodegenerative conditions rises, and cognitive performance often declines after age 60. The investigators aimed to explore whether a natural dietary option could slow or reduce these age‑related shifts, offering a practical path for healthier aging.
The randomized trial enrolled 61 adults aged 65 to 80. Participants were assigned to two groups: a placebo group and a test group receiving 26 grams of blueberry powder daily for 12 weeks. The researchers observed that those consuming the blueberry powder showed healthier blood vessels and better performance on cognitive tasks than the placebo group, suggesting tangible vascular and cognitive benefits from regular blueberry intake (King’s College London, AJCN).
Polyphenols are a broad class of compounds known to support health, and anthocyanins are a distinctive subset found in blueberries. Anthocyanins give the berry its characteristic blue hue and act as strong antioxidants. By neutralizing free radicals and helping to curb cellular damage, these compounds contribute to overall well‑being. In general, colorful fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, are associated with positive health effects because of these powerful pigments and antioxidants (King’s College London, AJCN).
In the broader context, these findings add to a growing body of evidence that diet can influence aging processes. While one study cannot guarantee universal results, the blueberry powder intervention provides a practical example of how dietary choices may support cognitive resilience and vascular health in older adults. Further research will help clarify dose, duration, and the long-term implications for prevention strategies targeting age‑related declines (King’s College London, AJCN).
Overall, the study underscores a simple, accessible approach to promoting healthy aging. Regular consumption of nutrient‑rich foods like blueberries may serve as a meaningful component of a lifestyle plan aimed at sustaining mental sharpness and cardiovascular well‑being as people grow older (King’s College London, AJCN).