Experts have revealed that "strawberries may reduce the risk of dementia and enhance mood in individuals who are prone to cognitive decline due to their age and metabolic health." A 12-week study found that "middle-aged individuals who were overweight and exhibited signs of insulin resistance, who consumed the equivalent of one cup of strawberries daily, showed better memory and fewer symptoms of depression compared to others." Neuroscientist Robert Krikorian from the University of Cincinnati and his team recruited 30 adult participants, mostly women, aged 50 to 65, who experienced cognitive impairment and were overweight.
The study indicated that consuming strawberry powder contributed to a reduction in memory decline. Participants who consumed strawberry powder reported decreased symptoms of depression, suggesting "improvements in emotional adjustment and executive function." Krikorian stated, "Both strawberries and blueberries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which play a role in a variety of health benefits, such as metabolic and cognitive improvements." However, Krikorian and his team were unable to draw general conclusions from their findings due to the small sample size, short duration, and limited dietary control of the participants.