The ACID study

Anthocyanins, a flavonoid subclass found in dark berries and fruits, are among the dietary factors that may have positive effects on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer Disease. Findings from both animal and human cell studies suggest that they have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and improve the blood lipid profile. In addition, anthocyanins have been shown to increase flow-mediated dilatation and to cross the blood–brain barrier, making them promising candidates for dementia prevention studies. Indeed, findings from observational studies suggested that food with high concentrations of anthocyanins could improve cognition and reduce the risk of developing dementia. In addition, intervention studies performed in different populations, including older people and people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), have suggested positive cognitive effects of blueberries. To increase the understanding of whether anthocyanins can improve cognition and reduce the risk of dementia, we performed a randomized study with >200 participants, with monthly computerized cognitive testing and with imaging, genetic, and biofluid marker description.

We performed a 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study, performed at three centres in Norway during 2018–020.

The primary outcome was the Quality of Episodic Memory composite measure (0–100) from an online cognitive test battery CogTrack, which was administered at baseline and monthly for the next 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included other cognitive scores from the CogTrack battery.

Results from the study demonstrate that anthocyanin supplementation for 24 weeks was safe and well tolerated in people with MCI or cardiometabolic disorders. We found no significant group difference in episodic memory at the end of the study but statistically significant differences in slopes. Further studies are warranted to explore whether anthocyanins supplementation can reduce cognitive decline in people at increased risk of dementia.

Full, open access publication: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Study of Purified Anthocyanins on Cognition in Individuals at Increased Risk for Dementia

Find out more: The Acid study (cristin.no)