In a research to find effectiveness of blueberries against Alzheimer's, researchers found that the fruit could be used as a protection against the decline in cognitive function. Subjects as a part of an experiment were given blueberries in powdered form. The effectiveness of blueberry was checked against a placebo which was found ineffective in altering symptoms that can be associated with cognitive decline.

Blueberry is already recognized for its health benefits. Now these benefits seem to help brain in maintaining long term good health. The researchers took help of the 47 adults aged 68 and older. They had mild cognitive impairment. The participants were found to have increased level of thinking performance after consuming blueberry powder.

"There was improvement in cognitive performance and brain function in those who had the blueberry powder compared with those who took the placebo. The blueberry group demonstrated improved memory and improved access to words and concepts,” said Lead researcher Robert Krikorian, from the University of Cincinnati in the US.

The participants, after having the blueberry powder, had increased brain activity as seen through Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. The results of the study were presented at the 251st National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in San Diego, California.

There was another study conducted on 94 people aged 62 to 80 who did not have measurable cognitive decline but reported experiencing memory loss. They were given blueberry powder, fish oil and a placebo to test effectiveness. The results showed that intake of blueberry powder or fish oil led to some thinking improvement, but there was hardly any effect on memory.

There are many other advantages of having blueberries. Blueberries contain antioxidants that may lower the risk of heart disease and cell damage linked to cancer. It has been found to have improved insulin sensitivity in overweight men and women, and lower blood pressure levels in pre-diabetic men.