A recent study suggests that incorporating daily strawberry consumption into the diet may help lower the risk of dementia in specific middle-aged populations.

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have previously explored the metabolic and cardiovascular advantages of consuming strawberries, but there has been limited research on their potential cognitive benefits.

In their new study, published in the Nutrients journal, the research team focused on a group of 30 overweight individuals aged between 50 and 65 who had reported experiencing mild cognitive decline. This particular population is at a heightened risk for late-life dementia and various common health issues, according to Robert Krikorian, a professor at the university's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience.

During a 12-week period, the participants were instructed to refrain from consuming any type of berry fruit, except for a daily supplement powder that was to be mixed with water and consumed during breakfast. Half of the participants received powders equivalent to one standard serving size of whole strawberries, while the other half received a placebo.

The individuals in the group receiving strawberry powder demonstrated reduced memory interference, indicating an overall enhancement in executive cognitive function. Krikorian explained that "reduced memory interference" refers to a decreased tendency to confuse semantically related terms in a word-list learning test, typically associated with improved executive control in resisting the intrusion of irrelevant words during memory tests.

Moreover, those who received the strawberry powder also experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Krikorian suggested that this could be linked to an improvement in executive abilities, leading to enhanced emotional control, coping, and potentially improved problem-solving skills.

While additional research is required, Krikorian speculated that the cognitive benefits of strawberry consumption may be attributed to a reduction in brain inflammation. He stated, "Executive abilities tend to decline in middle age, and the presence of excess abdominal fat, insulin resistance, and obesity can contribute to increased inflammation, including in the brain." Therefore, the observed positive effects may be associated with the moderation of inflammation within the group that consumed strawberries.