NCT07177781

Effects of Wild Blueberry Consumption on Brain Function in Elderly

Longer-term Effects of Wild Blueberry Consumption on Brain Function in Older Men and Women

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Impaired brain vascular function precedes the development of reduced cognitive performance, while brain insulin-resistance is associated with cognitive decline. Evidence from epidemiological studies has already suggested beneficial effects of wild blueberry consumption on cognitive performance. However, underlying mechanisms have not yet been established, while well-controlled trials on longer-term effects of wild blueberries on cognitive performance are highly needed. This study hypothesizes that longer-term wild blueberry intake improves (regional) brain vascular function and insulin-sensitivity, thereby improving cognitive performance in older men and women. The primary objectives are to investigate in older adults the effect wild blueberry consumption on (regional) vascular function and insulin-sensitivity in the brain, and to focus on changes in cognitive performance as assessed with the CANTAB neuropsychological test battery (i.e., secondary objective). Cerebral blood flow responses before (brain vascular function) and after the administration of intranasal insulin spray (brain insulin-sensitivity) will be non-invasively quantified by the non-invasive gold standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- perfusion method Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL).

Conditions

• Brain Insulin-sensitivity
• Brain Vascular Function
• Cerebral Blood Flow

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Wild blueberry powder	Study volunteers will consume daily 26 grams of wild blueberry powder for 16 weeks, which has to be dissolved in a glass of water.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-12-05
• Primary completion: 2026-06-01
• Completion: 2026-08-31
• First posted: 2025-09-17
• Last updated: 2025-09-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Netherlands