Evidence supporting the use of: Bilberry
For the health condition: Dementia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in Europe, where it has been employed for improving vision, circulation, and cognitive health. While bilberry is sometimes recommended in folk and traditional herbal medicine for supporting cognitive function and potentially dementia, this use is largely based on its antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which are thought to protect blood vessels and improve microcirculation, including in the brain.

However, scientific evidence supporting bilberry for dementia is limited and mostly preclinical. Some animal studies and laboratory experiments suggest that anthocyanins and other flavonoids found in bilberry may have neuroprotective effects, reduce oxidative stress, and improve memory or learning in models of cognitive impairment. Despite these promising findings, high-quality clinical trials in humans with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are lacking. The few small human studies on bilberry or related berry extracts generally focus on cognitive performance in healthy adults or elderly individuals, with mixed results and no direct evaluation of dementia progression or symptoms.

In summary, the use of bilberry for dementia is primarily rooted in traditional practice and plausibility based on its antioxidant properties, but robust scientific validation is lacking. The evidence is weak (rated 1/5), and bilberry should not be considered a proven or primary treatment for dementia based on current knowledge.

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