Blueberry Study Invites Participants

DANBURY — Blueberries can sharpen learning and recall and help maintain overall health, according to several recent research reports. Members of the Danbury Multiple Sclerosis Support Group have decided to find out if blueberries can help them. They are inviting non-MS participants and members of neighboring MS groups to join them in a research study.

Blueberry consumption is scheduled to begin the week of July 10 and will continue for three weeks. During the study, decision speed and memory will be measured twice each week in a 10-15 minute session over the Internet. Computers are available at local libraries for those who wish to participate but do not have a home computer.

Blueberry extracts reverse age-related performance decline in animal experiments, according to US Department of Agriculture research presented June 5 at the annual meeting of the American Aging Association. Scientists suspect that blueberries also will protect people from MS and age-related illnesses.

Persons who wish to help are asked to call study organizers Catherine Pappas at 203/746-5364 or Rolf Martin at 860/355-4959 or visit the study Web site at http://www.bettermemories.com/mssm.