Section - Quick Takes

05. Anthocyanins and Cognitive Function: What Does the Evidence Show?

Published on May 26, 2026 Certification expiration date: May 26, 2029

Derick E. Vergne, M.D.

Assistant Professor - Tufts University School of Medicine

Key Points

A meta-analysis of 59 randomized trials found anthocyanin interventions improved cognition across all domains tested, including attention, processing speed, verbal fluency, and memory.
Benefits were clearest in patients with existing cognitive impairment.
Food-based anthocyanins outperformed supplements. Berry powders, juices, and whole fruits showed stronger cognitive effects than isolated capsules or extracts.
Sustained intake over three or more months mattered more than dose. Consider anthocyanin-rich foods as a porential adjunctive strategy for patients with cognitive concerns.

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Anthocyanins and Cognitive Function: What Does the Evidence Show?

Today, I will walk you through a large new meta-analysis looking at anthocyanins, basically the pigments that give berries and some fruits their deep red, blue and purple colors, and whether they actually help cognition. We’re all seeing more patients worried about memory, attention and cognitive slowing, whether from aging, vascular risk, mood disorders or early neurodegeneration.

Genetics and aging matter obviously, but lifestyle factors, especially diet, are increasingly where prevention conversations are heading. Anthocyanins have been getting attention because they are strongly linked to vascular health, and vascular health and brain health are tightly coupled.

The question this paper asked is simple but important: when you actually test anthocyanins in randomized trials, do they improve cognition? And if so, which parts of cognition?

Meta-Analysis of 59 Randomized Trials

The study was not a narrative review, but a formal meta-analysis of

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Table of Contents

Learning Objectives:
After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Select an appropriate first-line antipsychotic for female patients with first-episode psychosis based on tolerability priorities including hyperprolactinemia, cardiometabolic risk, and reproductive considerations.
Apply evidence-based non-clozapine strategies for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, including the role of antidepressants, NMDA glycine modulators, and the rationale for time-limited add-on trials.
Evaluate the abuse liability of insomnia medications using real-world FDA adverse event data and identify preferred agents for patients at increased risk of substance use disorder.
Interpret the limitations of serial ketamine trials, including blinding failures and sample size constraints, when counseling patients about ketamine’s evidence base for depression.
Recommend dietary anthocyanin strategies as adjunctive interventions for patients with cognitive concerns based on a meta-analysis of 59 randomized controlled trials.

Original Release Date: May 26, 2026
Expiration Date: May 26, 2029

Experts: Amanda Koire, M.D., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D., David A. Gorelick, M.D., Ph.D., D.L.F.A.P.A., F.A.S.A.M. James Phelps, M.D. & Derick E. Vergne, M.D.
Medical Editors: Flavio Guzmán, M.D. & Sebastián Malleza M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:
Oliver Freudenreich declares the following interests:
– Karuna: Research grant to institution, advisory board
– Vida: Consultant
– American Psychiatric Association: Consultant
– Medscape: Speaker
– Wolters-Kluwer: Royalties, editor
– National Council for Wellbeing: Consultant

All the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

None of the other faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity has relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

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Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use DisclosureArtificial intelligence (AI) tools may have been used in limited stages of developing this activity (e.g., drafting or language refinement). The specific tool, version, and date of use are documented internally.AI does not determine clinical recommendations. All content is reviewed, verified, and approved by the listed faculty and medical editors, and reflects independent human clinical judgment consistent with ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.