The Acute Effect of Two Berry Extracts on Cognition and Mood in Adults Aged 40 to 60

The Acute Effect of Two Berry Extracts on Cognition and Mood in Adults Aged 40 to 60

The first study of my PhD showed that acute supplementation of berry extracts can modulate cognitive behaviour in healthy adults. There is a growing body of evidence supporting an improvement in memory and learning performance in animal models following the ingestion of flavonoid rich fruits (Shukitt-Hale et al 2008;Spencer 2008; Spencer et al., 2008). However, study 2, showed no effect on any aspects of memory in healthy young adults after supplementation of the berry extracts. It is hypothesised that the lack of behavioural effects on memory of the berry juice in study 2 was because of the cohort used. These healthy adult participants were already performing near to their peak (Salthouse et al., 2009), and unlike study one, participants were not mentally fatigued enough to reveal subtle cognitive benefits.

The aims of the study are to examine if acute supplementation of two berry extracts in an older population can augment memory, attention and executive function. Secondly, the time course of these behavioural effects will be measured by multiple cognitive assessments throughout the day after consumption of the extracts.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy
• Non-smokers
• Aged between 40 and 60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of neurological, vascular or psychiatric illness.
• BMI greater than 35 kg/m2
• Current diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety.
• History or current diagnosis of drug/alcohol abuse.
• Anaemia.
• Any heart disorder.
• Hypertension
• Any respiratory disorder.
• Diabetes.
• Food intolerances/sensitivities.
• Phenylketonuria.
• Use tobacco products or have ceased in the last 6 months.
• Currently taking, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, any prescribed, illicit or herbal drugs and food supplements.
• Any known active infections.
• HIV antibody positive.
• Currently have, have ever had, or may be at risk of hepatitis.
• Have suffered from jaundice within the last year.
• Have haemophilia or any similar clotting disorder.
• History of head trauma
• History of migraines
• History of learning difficulties
• Any Issues with giving blood samples.