Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline, caused by, among other things, the accumulation of tau protein and β-amyloid. The presence of bisphenol, a compound found in plastics (such as bottles), has been linked to the development of the disease due to its neurotoxic effects. Nerve cells were exposed to anthocyanins, followed by bisphenol. As a result, instead of damage, growth and differentiation of neurons was observed, the amount of tau protein decreased also. (S Suresh Mol Neurobiol 2024). Another study showed that cyanidin-3 glucoside ( C3G, exactly the form of anthocyanins that is in haskap berry) and its metabolites reduced β-amyloid accumulation, had anti-inflammatory effects and reduced neuronal damage (Z Zhu J Food Sci 2022). Anthocyanins thus have neuroprotective potential in processes leading to Alzheimer's disease.

The cell studies are confirmed by epidemiological findings. In a 20-year US study in seniors, anthocyanin intake of 16 mg/day was associated with the lowest risk of developing ch. Alzheimer's disease. This amount reduced the risk by 4x compared to a diet low in anthocyanins (Shishtar E, Am J Clin Nutr 2020). In a study conducted in New Zealand in seniors with the first symptoms of memory impairment, the group consuming a lot of anthocyanins (berries, red wine, grapes), above 10 mg per day, were able to recall more words. Higher dietary anthocyanin content was also associated with a slower rate of forgetting. ( K Kent Nutrition Research 2022)

Therefore, it is worth to enrich our daily diet with dark fruits, such as haskap berry.


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