4 Anti-Alzheimer’s Benefits of Blueberries

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Do Blueberries Reduce Alzheimer's Risk in Tucson, AZ?

Blueberries are more than just a delicious snack. Research indicates they also offer many health benefits for seniors with memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s. Tucson Alzheimer’s care experts want to share 4 ways blueberries can boost your elderly loved one’s cognitive health.

1. Reduce Age-Related Memory Loss

The anthocyanins found in blueberries help protect seniors from age-related memory damage. When eating blueberries, your loved one also consumes vital antioxidants that slow the progression of free radicals, which exist to build a barrier between blood flow and the brain. To preserve memory skills and combat the free radicals that lead to brain aging, your loved one should include more blueberries in his or her diet.

2. Protect the Brain from Stress

Stress is one of the leading causes of memory loss, but eating blueberries can help reduce stress and protect your loved one’s brain. When your loved one is stressed, his or her body produces large amounts of cortisol, a toxin to the brain that increases the risk of memory loss, especially short-term memory loss. However, due to the high levels of flavonoids in blueberries, your loved one’s brain can receive antioxidants that reduce this stress hormone and prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.

3. Increase the Potential of Neuron Signals

Healthy neuron signals are necessary for protecting your loved one’s brain from memory loss. Blueberries contain antioxidants and flavonoids, which enhance signals that mediate important brain functions, including neuronal communication, and they also enhance the growth of new neurons. These new neurons help your loved one interpret, send, receive, and remember information. If the neurons do not send a signal, the brain remains in a resting state, causing memory loss. By eating blueberries, your loved one can increase neuronal signals and delay the progression of Alzheimer’s.

4. Boost Brain Function

Blueberries are considered food for the brain because they contain phytochemicals, which have the ability to increase brain activity and prevent brain cell loss. These phytochemicals increase blood flow and oxygen so the brain can continue functioning properly. If your loved one has already lost brain cells, the phytochemicals can help recover the missing function.

In addition to blueberries, there are many other foods with nutrients that can help preserve your loved one’s brain health and prevent Alzheimer’s. For additional suggestions and information on senior home care Tucson seniors can rely on, call Home Care Assistance at (520) 276-6555 and schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable Care Managers.

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