Blueberry Supplementation May Help Improve Cognitive Performance

Previous research has found that obesity and insulin resistance may increase the risk of cognitive decline later in life. A new study suggests that daily blueberry supplementation may help improve cognitive performance in overweight adults with insulin resistance.

Participants in the study included 27 adults between the ages of 50 and 65.  All had a BMI greater than 30 and insulin resistance. They were given a blueberry powder containing the equivalent of half a cup of blueberries or a placebo powder daily for 12 weeks.

The researchers assessed executive cognitive abilities and long-term memory at baseline and at the end of the of study period. They also measured blood insulin levels at baseline and at the end of the study.

Participants in the blueberry group saw improvements in executive cognitive abilities and long-term memory tests. They also reported improvements in memory in daily life activities. In addition, they saw reductions in insulin resistance.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center and the University of Kentucky. It was published online ahead of print on April 13, 2022 in the journal Nutrients.

A previous study found that fish oil supplementation may help protect cognitive health.