Can This Fruit Actually Prevent Dementia?

Dementia is a growing concern for many as they age, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common form.

While there is currently no cure for dementia, researchers have been studying the potential benefits of certain foods in reducing the risk of developing the condition. And one of their beliefs is that a fruit can prevent dementia.

By making simple changes to your diet, you could potentially lower your risk of cognitive decline and maintain a healthy brain as you age.

What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in cognitive function that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but rather a collection of symptoms. Moreover, Dementia is associated with a decline in memory, thinking skills, communication abilities, and the ability to perform everyday activities.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. However, other conditions such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia can also cause similar symptoms. Dementia is progressive. This means that symptoms worsen over time, and it can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and their ability to function independently.

Can Fruit Prevent Dementia?

A recent study published in the scientific journal Nutrients reveals that middle-aged, overweight adults experiencing mild cognitive decline reported reduced memory interference and depressive symptoms. This was possible only after consuming strawberries daily for 12 weeks. Robert Krikorian, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Cincinnati, states that dementia encompasses various diseases without cures. Effective therapies are uncertain, making prevention and mitigation through dietary and lifestyle choices the best current approach.

In this double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 30 participants (25 women and 5 men) were involved. One group consumed strawberry powder made from whole fruit, while the other group received a control powder with a similar appearance, taste, and carbohydrate content but lacking polyphenolic content. Both powders were sealed in packets for convenience and to ensure controlled daily dosage.

What Did the Study Focus On?

Each packet of strawberry powder provided 13 grams, containing 36.8 milligrams of anthocyanins derived from 130 grams of whole fruit. This is roughly equivalent to one cup of fresh strawberries. Participants were instructed to avoid consuming any other berry fruits, juices, or extracts during the study period to eliminate any potential influence from these products on the study results.

The study’s results indicate that participants who consumed the whole fruit strawberry powder made fewer “intrusion errors” in a word list learning task after the 12-week period. This is significant as memory interference is often observed in aging and dementia.

Additionally, these participants reported lower levels of depressive symptoms, suggesting improved emotional coping abilities. Robert Krikorian suggests that these outcomes may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory effects of anthocyanins found in strawberries.

Do you think this study is right? Would you eat fruit to prevent dementia?

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

You might also want to read: Did You Know: Bananas Are Berries but Strawberries Aren’t!