Will berries help stave off cognitive decline in women?

Older women with a penchant for berries could be unwittingly staving off their neurological decline, according to a recent study.

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital believe that the fruit has the potential to delay memory decline in women, with their flavonoid property increasing cognitive acuity for up to 2.5 years. 

Elizabeth Devore, lead author of the study, commented: "Among women who consumed 2 or more servings of strawberries and blueberries each week we saw a modest reduction in memory decline.

"This effect appears to be attainable with relatively simple dietary modifications."

Using data from the Nurses' Health Study on 121,700 females, who were surveyed every four years from 1980, it was found that those who ate the most berries maintained their neurological function longer.

What's more, when decline began it occurred at a slower rate than in those who didn't each to flavonoid-rich fruit.

The findings could be instrumental in preventing the development of dementia through new treatment pathways.

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