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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #332626
Title: Effects of blueberries on inflammation, motor performance and cognitive function

Author
item Shukitt-Hale, Barbara
item Miller, Marshall
item Thangthaeng, Nopporn
item Fisher, Derek
item BIELINSKI, DONNA - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University
item Kelly, Megan
item SCOTT, TAMMY - Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging At Tufts University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/15/2016
Publication Date: 6/30/2017
Citation: Shukitt Hale, B., Miller, M.G., Thangthaeng, N., Fisher, D.R., Bielinski, D.F., Kelly, M.E., Scott, T. 2017. Effects of blueberries on inflammation, motor performance and cognitive function [abstract]. 21st International Association of Gerontology & Geriatrics (IAGG) World Congress, July 23-27, 2017, San Francisco, CA. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx004.5010.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Motor and cognitive function decrease with age, to include deficits in balance, coordination, gait, processing speed, executive function, memory, and spatial learning. These functional declines may be caused by long term increases in and susceptibility to oxidative stress and inflammation. Research conducted in our laboratory, initially with aged animals but more recently with humans, has shown that consumption of blueberries, which are high in polyphenolics and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can prevent and even reverse age-related neuronal deficits. Participants, aged 60-75 years, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, consumed freeze-dried blueberry (24g/d, equivalent to 1 cup blueberries) or placebo, and completed a battery of motor and cognitive tests at baseline, and following 45 and 90 days of intervention. Blueberry supplementation improved some aspects of performance and berry serum metabolites were able to reduce inflammatory stress signals in a cell model. Therefore, dietary interventions with blueberries may be one strategy to forestall or even reverse age-related neuronal deficits.