Large study - Eating fish reduces dementia risk

A large recent study shows that regular fish consumption can reduce our risk of dementia, a condition that affects 24 million people worldwide. The benefits of fish oil have been widely studied. The new study is the first to explore dementia and dietary fish intake in low to middle income countries.

The study, published in the August 2009 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, suggests that Omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils can help ward of dementia later in life, extending previous findings that fish oils are beneficial for brain health.

Investigators explored dementia and diet in seven countries to find the link, conducting face to face interviews and assessments of cognitive decline among 14,960 participants in China, India, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and Peru.

With the exception of India, fish consumption was found to be associated with lower incidence of dementia in low to middle income countries. The study group included individuals over age 65.

Oily fish are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acid, known to contribute to overall health and well-being. Fish oils can help prevent heart disease, heart attack, by reducing inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been found to be neuroprotective, preserving brain function, in past studies.

Previous studies of industrialized countries have shown that omega 3 fatty acids from fish can slow cognitive decline, and is linked to lower risk of dementia with aging. Because red meat consumption is higher in industrialized societies, scientists have been unable to determine if red meat consumption contributes to dementia.

The researchers are still not certain whether red meat contributes to declining brain health and memory loss, though there was a modest increase in dementia found among older individuals who consume more red meat.

The current study supports the role of omega 3 fatty acids from fish to reduce our chances of dementia. The research clarifies that dementia risk is  reduced in low to middle income countries as the result of consuming fish, extending previous research in industrialized countries. Consuming more fish can reduce our risk of dementia later in life, especially combined with other healthy lifestyle factors to include regular aerobic activity.
 

http://www.nutrition.org/media/publications/ajcnAug709.pdf

Resource:

Fish and Omega 3 Fatty Acids

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