Fermented Blueberries May Restore Cognitive Function In Amnesia

Blueberry vinegar is suggested by researchers from Konkuk University to help boost memory and restore cognitive function of people with dementia, as published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Whether vinegar made from blueberries might help improve cognitive function and stop cognitive deterioration was explored in the study by administering blueberry vinegar to mice with induced amnesia for seven days, then behavioral assessment was performed using behavior tests. Findings show that blueberry vinegar decreases breakdown of acetylcholine and increases levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor proteins that plays a role in maintenance and production of healthy nerve cells. This conclusion was arrived at after conducting in vivo studies to evaluate mice performance in mazes and an avoidance test in which the mice would receive low intensity shocks in one of two chambers. When fed blueberry vinegar the animal showed better performance in both tests, suggesting that blueberry vinegar boosted short term memory. According to the researchers blueberry vinegar has potential to help treat amnesia and cognitive deterioration among older populations. This study was built on past studies showing relationships of cognitive function and signaling compound acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter responsible for thinking, focus, concentration, and memory; that can be obtained by consuming dietary sources of choline such as animal proteins, seafood, dairy, eggs, soybeans, seeds, and nuts. Studies have shown brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of acetylcholine and its receptors. Stopping acetylcholine receptors has been shown to interrupt memory and learning. Drugs are available to help prevent breakdown of acetylcholine to fight dementia, but they are deemed unsafe as the only last within the body for a short amount of time and can be harmful to the liver. Studies have suggested natural extracts can enhance cognitive function, and fermenting natural extracts can […]

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