A systematic review published in the journal Nutrients analyzed existing studies on berries and cognitive function.
The researchers reviewed 12 studies selected from 224 scientific articles identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases in the spring of 2025.
Only human studies with robust research methodologies were included.
Participants were primarily older adults with mild cognitive impairment. They were given blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or grapes, either as whole foods or in extract form.
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Weight and dementia risk
The background to the study is that being overweight and having impaired blood sugar regulation increase the risk of dementia.
Conditions such as insulin resistance and chronic inflammation in the body can negatively affect the brain.
In the analyzed studies, researchers measured BMI, insulin levels, cholesterol levels, and conducted various memory tests.
This allowed them to assess both metabolic health and cognitive function.
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Overall, the quality of the studies was rated as moderate. Several had small sample sizes or used different doses and trial durations, making the results more difficult to compare.
Modest improvements
Overall, the researchers found minor improvements in memory among individuals who consumed berries or berry extracts.
There were also indications of improved regulation of blood sugar and the hormone leptin.
Biological markers associated with neurodegenerative diseases were also examined, but the results were not conclusive.
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The researchers therefore conclude that berries may form part of a healthy diet, but larger and more standardized studies are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about their effect on dementia.
Sources: News Medical, and Nutrients.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.