There is more and more evidence that healthy diet can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Recent research has suggested that getting more anthocyanins, a kind of flavonoid antioxidant, in your diet can prevent cognitive decline. This meta-analysis put the claim to the test.
Anthocyanins are plant flavonoids abundantly found in red, blue and purple fruits, vegetables and flowers, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, grapes, cherries, red cabbage and eggplant.
This brand new meta-analysis includes 59 controlled studies that evaluated anthocyanins in the diet or anthocyanins taken as supplements. Most of the adults in the studies were older.
The results show that anthocyanins significantly improve general cognition, including, specifically, improved visuospatial processing/reasoning and attention, processing and psychomotor speed, verbal speed and fluency, episodic memory, and working memory. That is, they help everything!
The results trended to being better in studies that lasted 3 months or longer, suggesting a benefit for regular, long term consumption.
This meta-analysis supports the evidence that eating more anthocyanin rich berries and taking anthocyanin supplements is associated with better cognitive function and slower cognitive decline.
GeroScience. December 2025;doi.org/10.1007/s11357-025-02008-7.