2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Phase I Objective 1: (a) Establish the effects of dietary berryfruit extracts and the most effective component polyphenolics on neuronal function in aging by determining the effects on motor and cognitive behaviors as a function of age. Phase II To be funded only if Phase I is deemed successful (b) Identify brain regional localization of berryfruit compounds and correlating the amounts seen with the behavioral performance, and (c) Determine their effects on signaling and the generation of new neurons in aging. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Phase I Aim 1: Determine the effects of RB supplementation on behavioral aging using paradigms sensitive to cognitive (short- and long-term memories) behaviors. The effects of RB dietary supplementation (2% RB extract in the diet for 8 weeks as described below). After 8 weeks performance will be examined in the rats age-sensitive cognitive behaviors that are selective for reference and working memories. The latter behaviors will be assessed using the Morris water maze and the radial arm water maze, as well as novelty tests. All of these tests have been validated as being age sensitive (e.g. demonstrated a significant decline as a function of age). 3.Progress Report In this effort the effects of raspberry dietary supplementation (2% blackberry extract in the diet for 8 weeks) were examined. Aged rats show decrements in performance on motor and cognitive tasks that require the use of spatial learning and memory. In previous studies, we have shown the beneficial effects of various berry fruits (blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries) for their effectiveness in reversing age-related deficits in behavioral and neuronal function when fed to rats from 19-21 months of age. Red raspberries contain polyphenols similar to those found in other berry fruits, particularly anthocyanins and hydrolyzable tannins (ellagitannins and gallotannins), but not condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins). Thus, the present studies were carried out to determine if red raspberries, fed in the rat diet at 2% for 8 weeks, would be efficacious in reversing the deleterious effects of aging on motor and cognitive behavior in 19 mo Fischer 344 rats. Results for the motor testing showed that the 2% raspberry diet improved performance on rod walking, medium plank walking, and the inclined screen. There was no improvement seen in cognition with the raspberry diet on either latency or distance to find the platform in the Morris water maze. We are currently assessing whether alterations in stress signaling may be involved in the mechanisms of action through which the berry polyphenols could be producing their effects and writing a manuscript on these results. Monitoring of this project is accomplished through e-mail and/or teleconference.