New Mechanism for Berries' Potential Brain Benefits Uncovered

US scientists say they have uncovered a new mechanism by which berries may protect the aging brain. In cultured mouse hippocampal cells, they found that extracts of blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries induce autophagy, a mechanism by which toxic debris are sequestered in the brain. Studies have shown that this "housekeeping" function in the brain declines considerably with age, which can lead to the buildup of proteins linked to age-related mental decline and memory loss.