Scientists from Norwich Medical School have conducted a study examining the potential cognitive benefits of cranberries in older adults.
Cranberries are small red fruits that grow in wet regions of the United States and have long been used for medicinal purposes, particularly for bladder and digestive health.
While they are best known for supporting urinary tract health, their effects on memory and cognitive function in older adults have remained largely unexplored.
Aging is commonly associated with gradual cognitive decline, and growing evidence suggests that certain dietary components may help slow this process.
In particular, fruits rich in (poly)phenols—such as berries—have been shown to offer protective effects against age-related neurodegeneration.
Neurodegeneration involves the progressive loss of nerve cells in specific brain regions and is linked to conditions including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
In the current study, the research team investigated the effects of cranberry powder on cognitive performance in 60 adults aged 50 to 80 years. Half of the participants consumed freeze-dried cranberry powder daily for 12 weeks, equivalent to approximately one cup (100 grams) of fresh cranberries, while the remaining participants received a placebo.
Cognitive assessments, including tests of memory and executive function, were conducted before and after the intervention. The researchers also collected brain imaging data and blood samples to evaluate changes in brain activity and markers related to cognition and cardiovascular health.
The results showed that participants who consumed cranberry powder for 12 weeks demonstrated improvements in visual episodic memory. Visual episodic memory refers to the ability to store and recall visual information, recognize objects despite changes in appearance, and distinguish between visually similar items.
In addition to cognitive benefits, participants in the cranberry group experienced a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol, often described as “bad” cholesterol, is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Brain imaging also revealed changes in neural activity within the right entorhinal cortex among participants who consumed cranberry powder. The entorhinal cortex plays a key role in memory processing, spatial navigation, and the perception of time. These findings suggest that regular cranberry consumption may support both memory performance and underlying brain function.
Overall, the study highlights the potential of cranberries to help manage or reduce age-related cognitive decline. However, the researchers note that further studies are needed to better understand the long-term effects and biological mechanisms underlying cranberry-related cognitive benefits.
The study, conducted by Emma Flanagan and colleagues, suggests that daily cranberry consumption over a 12-week period may improve memory function and cholesterol profiles in older adults. Incorporating cranberries into the diet may therefore contribute to healthier aging and improved brain health.
The findings were published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
