by Royce Bailey M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.C.

“Our data indicate for the first time that it may be possible to overcome genetic predisposition to Alzheimers disease through diet.” -Nutritional Science, Apr 2004

New Studies

New research indicates that in animal studies regular consumption of blueberries can prevent age-related memory problems. Similar antioxidant-rich findings are associated with raspberries, blackberries, cranberries and strawberries, etc. Blueberry (BB) supplementation reversed the deleterious effects of aging on motor behavior and neuronal signaling with no alterations in amyloid beta burden. Amyloid deposits in the human brain have been correlated with advancing memory deterioration. Protective mechanisms are derived from BB-induce enhancement of memory.*

Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kB)

NF-kB is a rapid oxidative (rusting out process) stress response protein. It is a transcription factor in all cells involved in immune and inflammatory reactions. NF-kB exerts its effects by expressing cytokines, chemokines, cell adhesion molecules, growth factors and immunoreceptors. Hyperproliferating cells (like in cancer) often over-express NF-kB and use this as a growth vehicle to escape cell regulatory control. NF-kB contributes to autoimmune disorders (like my Crohn’s Disease or Lupus, Parkinsonism, Thyroiditis, Alzheimers, Colitis, and even Psoriasis, to name a few). NF-kB contributes to allograft rejection (failure of transplanted organs, like kidneys, hearts, livers, etc), rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma.

Blue Berries And Memory

So why have I told you about NF-kB? Because 2% BB supplementation prevented elevated levels of NF-kB, thus preventing or slowing the progression of an autoimmune disease. BB supplementation prevented impaired object recognition memory by normalized or lowering NF-kB levels. Therefore, the use of BBs correlated significantly with improved object memory scores.

Pterostilbene

Blueberries contain the highest level of folic acid in any fruit. They also contain pterostilbene. Pterostilbene’s properties are similar to the compound resveratrol, found in purple grapes and is the chemical giving the health benefit in red wine. Pterostilbene has strong antioxidant capabilities, is a potent cancer-preventive agent, and has been shown to help protect the heart and cardiovascular system. Pterostilbene lowers glucose levels in animals by 42% without any side effects. Pterostilbene inhibits platelets aggregation and increases the good (Happy) HDL form of cholesterol. Pterostilbene is also found in darker grapes, but not in red wine (it doesn’t survive the wine-making process). It is the pterostilbene in BB (and other berries) that is believed to be the memory enhancing antioxidant.

So, start adding those berries; fresh, dried, or frozen to your diet.

*Through memory associated neuronal signaling (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) and alterations in neutral sphingomyelin-specific phospholipase C activity.

References:

Goyarzu,P., “Blueberry Supplemented Diet: Effects On Object Recognition Memory And Nuclear Factor-kappa B Levels In Aged Rats,” Nutritional Neuroscience, April 2004; vol.7, no.2:75-83.

Joseph, J.A., “Blueberry Supplementation Enhances Signaling And Prevents Behavioral Deficits in an Alzheimer Disease Model,” Nutritional Neuroscience, May 2003; vol.6, no.3:153-162.

Williams,D., “A Berry Good Solution,” Alternatives, November 2004:134.

Lee,J.L.,”Nuclear Factor Kappa B: Important Transcription Factor And Therapeutic Target,”J Clin Phar, 1998;38:981-993.