Blueberries + Exercise for Cognitive Impairment

Overseen By David C Nieman, DrPH

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Appalachian State University

Must not be taking: Cognition drugs

Disqualifiers: Diabetes, Uncontrolled cardiovascular, Dementia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 64

Duration: 12 weeks

240 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if regular blueberry consumption and moderate exercise can improve memory and thinking in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Researchers will divide participants into groups to test the effects of blueberries alone, exercise alone, and a combination of both. It is ideal for non-smokers aged 65 to 85 who have noticed changes in their cognitive abilities and are currently not very active. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance cognitive health strategies for older adults.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial requires that you do not use any prescription or over-the-counter drugs intended to support cognition or with known cognitive side effects. Other medications or supplements may also be restricted if the study clinician believes they could interfere with the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that regularly eating blueberries is safe and beneficial. Some studies have found that blueberries can improve memory and lower the risk of dementia, suggesting they support brain health without major safety concerns. As a common food, most people can consume blueberries without issues.

Regarding safety, blueberries are a natural part of many diets, and serious side effects are rarely linked to their consumption. Participants should follow study guidelines and report any unusual effects to the research team.

In summary, research supports the safety of blueberries, especially as they are a familiar food. Prospective trial participants can feel confident about this information. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about the potential of blueberries combined with exercise for treating cognitive impairment because of its natural and holistic approach. Unlike standard medications that often focus on chemical interventions, this treatment leverages the antioxidant properties of blueberries, which may protect brain cells from damage. Additionally, combining blueberries with physical activity like walking or stretching could enhance cognitive benefits by promoting both mental and physical health. This dual-action strategy not only aims to improve cognitive function but also encourages a healthier lifestyle, which is a refreshing shift from traditional pharmaceutical options.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cognitive impairment?

This trial will evaluate the effects of blueberries and exercise on cognitive impairment. Studies have shown that regular blueberry consumption can boost memory and lower the risk of dementia. One study found that older adults who ate blueberries daily and exercised experienced better memory and slower mental decline. Even short-term blueberry consumption benefited those with poorer memory and maintained brain function in others. Research also suggests that blueberries can enhance brain function and processing speed, allowing the brain to understand and react to information faster. Overall, these findings indicate that blueberries, especially when combined with exercise, may help improve and maintain mental sharpness in older adults. Participants in this trial will be assigned to different groups, including those receiving blueberry intake combined with walking or stretching, and those receiving a placebo with walking or stretching. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

David C Nieman, DrPH

Principal Investigator

Appalachian State Univ

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy, non-smoking individuals aged 65-85 with mild cognitive decline. Participants must be physically inactive, willing to exercise (walking/stretching), avoid blueberries outside the study, and not use drugs affecting cognition. They can't have uncontrolled chronic conditions or a dementia diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a healthy, non-smoking individual aged between 65 and 85.

I agree to only participate in this study and not join any others.

Physically inactive (defined as less than 150 min/week moderate or less than 75 minutes vigorous aerobic and/or resistance exercise during the past 4 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria

I am not taking any medication for cognition or that affects my thinking.

Allergy to blueberries

I have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (phone call)

Pre-study Lab Testing

Orientation, consent, and pre-study cognitive and fitness testing

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in 12 weeks of supervised physical activity sessions and consume blueberry or placebo supplements

12 weeks

60 sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive function, gut microbiome, and other health metrics

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Blueberry
• Exercise

Trial Overview

The NIH study tests if eating flavonoid-rich blueberries combined with regular moderate exercise improves cognitive function in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive changes. It explores how diet and physical activity might influence gut health and cognition.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Blueberry + walking Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Blueberry intake combined with walking exercise.

Group II: Blueberry + stretching Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Blueberry intake combined with stretching exercise.

Group III: Placebo + stretching Active Control 2 Interventions

Placebo intake combined with stretching exercise.

Group IV: Placebo + walking Active Control 2 Interventions

Placebo intake combined with walking exercise.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Appalachian State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

46

Recruited

2,600+

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6580694/

Blueberries Improve Neuroinflammation and Cognition ...

Overall, short-term daily consumption of BBs benefited poor cognitive performers and preserved cognitive function in good performers. Cognitive function was ...

2.

alzheimers.gov

alzheimers.gov/clinical-trials/blueberries-and-exercise-cognition?&utm_source=nia-eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=general-20250715

Blueberries and Exercise for Cognition

This 12-week trial will investigate the effect of daily blueberry ingestion and walking on cognitive function in older adults. Participants will be screened ...

3.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-mild-cognitive-decline-7-2024-ca728

Blueberries + Exercise for Cognitive Impairment

Studies have found that regular blueberry consumption can enhance memory performance and reduce risk factors for dementia, suggesting potential benefits for ...

4.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07177781

Effects of Wild Blueberry Consumption on Brain Function in ...

This study hypothesizes that longer-term wild blueberry intake improves (regional) brain vascular function and insulin-sensitivity, thereby ...

5.

wildblueberries.com

wildblueberries.com/blog/new-study-indicates-wild-blueberries-improve-cognitive-function/

New Research Study Indicates Wild Blueberries Improve ...

Analysis of this data showed that those who consumed wild blueberries daily displayed faster processing speed during cognitive testing than those who had a ...

6.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06495190

Cognition, Flavonoids, Exercise, Gut Microbiome

This NIH project will examine the effects of routine flavonoid-rich blueberry intake (12-weeks), combined with or in the absence of regular moderate ...

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9031005/

Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk ...

Preliminary studies indicate that blueberry supplementation can improve cognitive performance and influence metabolism and brain function.

8.

natap.org

natap.org/2025/IAS/jama_baker_2025_oi_250054_1753719493.76129.pdf

Structured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle ...

Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 2111 older adults at risk of cognitive decline and dementia, a structured lifestyle intervention ...