You've probably heard of the so-called “super foods.” These are the ones whose palette of nutrients are touted as offering protection against cancer and heart disease, among other dire afflictions. Blueberries have long been a part of that elite club, and now they have even more to crow about: Researchers from the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center in Ohio believe that they may have a part to play in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Blueberries are in fact blue because they contain the flavanoids called anthocyanins, pigments that vary among red, purple or blue. It is these anthocyanins, as well as high levels of antioxidants in the berries, that the researchers believe might be behind blueberries' beneficial effects. Earlier research has already ascribed protection against cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and some forms of cancer to anthocyanins.

The lead author of the study, Robert Krikorian, was clear: "Our new findings corroborate those of previous animal studies and preliminary human studies, adding further support to the notion that blueberries can have a real benefit in improving memory and cognitive function in some older adults,"

Earlier clinical trials conducted by Krikorian and the team indicated that blueberries could have an effect on the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms, and so two follow-up studies were carried out.

Currently, the researchers are intending to conduct a study with participants aged 50-65, including a number of people considered to be at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. That is, people who are obese, have hypertension or high levels of cholesterol.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, in 2015, an estimated 5.3 million Americans had Alzheimer's disease, a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Of these people, it is estimated that 5.1 million were aged 65 and older.