Eating fish tied to dramatic drop in Alzheimer's risk

Dr. Raji, University of Pittsburgh

(CBS) Maybe mom was right about fish being brain food. New research shows that people who eat fish regularly are three to five times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or a related condition known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

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"This is the first study to establish a direct relationship between fish consumption, brain structure and Alzheimer's risk," study author Dr. Cyrus Raji of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center said in a written statement.

Dr. Raji and his colleagues scanned the brains of 260 healthy adults, including 163 who said they consumed fish at least once a week. After controlling for age, gender, race, physical activity, and other factors, the researchers found that the fish eaters were less likely to have shrinkage of their gray matter. That's a component of the brain involved in memory, emotions, and other high-level functions.

Decreases in the amount of gray matter indicate that individual brain cells (neurons) are shrinking - and Dr. Raji said regular fish consumption makes neurons in gray matter "larger and healther." But he stressed that he was talking only about baked and broiled fish. Eating fried fish was not shown to boost brain volume or protect against cognitive decline.

Why would eating fish protect the brain? Dr. Raji said it's likely because fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and have other physiological benefits. But he pointed out that fish also contains high levels of selenium, another substance known to have benefits for the brain.

The study was scheduled to be presented in Chicago on Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America.

The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 5.4 million people have Alzheimer's disease. That's roughly one in eight Americans age 65 or older.

The association has more on Alzheimer's disease.

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[notparicular]

Only a sample of 260, and so much noise of finding a solution! This is where my tax dollars go. Eat Kit Kat, get the same result.

[Redoran17]

They never addressed canned fish, like Tuna, Mackerel and Salmon. I think I will now trash my canned fish!

[wlhoppers]

Donate them to a food bank.

[cntrygirl3]

Hang on they didn't say canned fish wasn't good for you, just go easy on the tuna because of the mercury, especially the solid white albacore. However you can scarf all the sardines you want. I love fish and I don't eat it fried, but I do wonder why the brain health effect wouldn't be the same. obviously there could be health disadvantages fom frying anything but why should it matter how the fish is cooked.

[AmalieEV]

Nice article, David. This is very revealing! In addition to omega-3 fatty acids and selenium as Dr Raji mentioned, there are B Vitamin benefits from eating fish which are know to help lower homocysteine levels. Lowering homocysteine levels helps slow brain atrophy which is part of mild cognitive impairment. Makes sense to get benefit from fish!

[sepa2]

medical research involving crunching data get lot of money as they can impress people in congress most of whom are clueless

[credibility2]

Obviously more research into this is required. And, not all fish are created equally in terms of nutrient value.

[cntrygirl3]

Especially tilapia. It has become popular because of the price and the fact it has little to no taste except what you put on it. Very high in omega-6, little omega-3