Blueberries and grape juice may improve memory in elderly. Two different studies.
12 Jan 2010
Juan Valverde
Two recent studies (conducted by the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Centre and the USDA human Nutrition Research Center on Ageing and Tufs University) on the effect of blueberries and concord grape juice suggest that diets supplemented with either juices may enhance cognitive function for older adults that suffer of premature memory decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer's.
The study on blueberries is said to be the first human trail to asses the potential benefits of blueberries on brain function on the elderly with increased risk for dementia and Alzheimer's. Although the study was carried out with a reduce number of it showed significant improvements in improved learning and word list recall. In addition scientists involved in this study agree that further research should be conducted to corroborate and amplify this initial data.
The study on the grape juice confirms some previous works realized by Tufts researchers were the course of neuronal and behavioural aging was reversed in rats (Nutrition, 2006, Vol 22). Therefore this new study reports similar findings in humans.
In both studies polyphénols have been identified as key to the ageing process.
For further details in both studies:
Blueberries:
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf9029332
Concord grapes :
http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=6906512&jid=BJN&volumeId=-1&issueId=-1&aid=6906504
