A recent study has found that flavonoids, the chemical compounds that give plant foods (fruits and vegetables) their vibrant colors, may help reduce frustrating forgetfulness and mild confusion often experienced by older adults as they age, and which can sometimes precede a dementia diagnosis. The study, published in the journal "Neurology," utilized data from two large ongoing health studies that began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Participants regularly completed diet and health questionnaires over more than 20 years, including 49,693 women with an average age of 76 years and 51,529 men with an average age of 73 years.
According to the scientists, participants consumed about 20 common types of flavonoids, including beta-carotene in carrots, flavon in strawberries, anthocyanins in apples, and other types found in various fruits and vegetables. To assess the participants' cognitive decline, they were asked 7 yes-or-no questions: Do you have trouble remembering recent events, recalling things from one moment to the next, remembering a short list of items, following spoken instructions, participating in group conversations, finding your way in familiar streets, and have you noticed a recent change in your ability to remember things?
The researchers found that the higher the intake of flavonoid compounds present in fruits, the fewer "yes" answers to these questions. Compared to one-fifth of those who consumed the least amount of flavonoids, the reported incidence of forgetfulness or confusion increased by 19 percent. Researchers examined not only total flavonoid consumption but also around 30 types of foods containing flavonoids. They discovered that higher consumption of Brussels sprouts, strawberries, winter squash, and raw spinach was more strongly associated with better self-reported cognitive decline outcomes, while the positive results linked to onion, apple juice, and grapes were significant but weaker.
According to Deborah Blaker, an epidemiology professor at Harvard University and the study's lead author, these long-term findings suggest that beginning early in life with a flavonoid-rich diet may be important for brain health. She stated that for young people and those in mid-life, "the message is that these foods are good for you overall, not just for cognition; it's important to find ways you enjoy incorporating these foods into your diet." This study is noted as the largest and most significant in this field after nearly 20 years of data collection from over 100,000 participants.
