Blueberries, Inflammation, Motivation, and Physical Activity

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of daily supplementation of freeze-dried blueberry to modulate inflammation-driven lack of motivation in 40 sedentary, older adults with depressive symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:Men and women aged ≥65 yearsSelf-reporting ≥ 8 hours of sitting per/day (e.g., sedentary behavior)Depressive symptoms (defined as ≥4 and <16 points on the center for epidemiological studies depression-scale)Exclusion Criteria:Unwilling to follow the study protocolSelf-reporting usual engagement in activities that have a metabolic equivalents (MET) ≥3 (e.g., dancing, jogging, tennis, brisk walking) as defined by the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older AdultsCognitive impairment (defined as Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MoCA <22 points)Self-reporting a history of inflammatory bowel disease/syndrome, major depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disordersAllergic to intervention or control productsRecent use (within the last 3 months) of antibioticsCurrent substance use disorder (Drug Abuse Screening Test, DAST-10>2 points)Current alcohol use disorder (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption, AUDIT-C≥4 points)Currently taking or advised during the intervention to take anti-depressantsCurrent homicidal or suicidal ideation (assessed via the P4 Suicidality Screener)Current psychosis (via the Psychosis and Hallucinations Questionnaire, PHQ>12 points)Manic symptoms (assessed by the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, MDQ >5 points)