From MedAlert

http://www.everybody.co.nz/research/neuro_fish.htm

Originally posted week beginning 16 December 2002

Fish reduces risk of dementia

Summary

Eating fish or seafood at least once a week appears to protect against dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. French investigators visited 1674 people, aged 68 years and over, who did not have dementia. Their frequency of eating meat, fish and seafood was recorded and participants were followed up at two, five and seven years. Over the seven-year period, there were 170 new cases of dementia, including 135 cases of Alzheimer's disease. A significant trend was observed between increasing consumption of fish and seafood and decreasing incidence of dementia.
Barberger-Gateau P, et al. Br Med J 325:932-3, 26 Oct 2002


 

Study details

A recent French study provides further evidence that eating fish or seafood at least once a week protects against dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Investigators visited 1674 people, aged 68 years and over, who did not have dementia. Their frequency of consumption of meat, fish and seafood was recorded and participants were followed up at two, five and seven years. Eighty-five per cent had at least one follow-up visit. Over the seven-year period, there were 170 new cases of dementia, including 135 cases of Alzheimer's disease. A significant trend was observed between increasing consumption of fish and seafood and decreasing incidence of dementia. Participants with a higher level of education ate fish more often. There was no significant association between meat consumption and risk of dementia. It is postulated that the n-3 fatty acids in fish could reduce inflammation in the brain and may have a role in brain development and regeneration of nerve cells. The protective effect of weekly fish or seafood consumption was only partially explained by higher education. It is possible that healthy dietary habits acquired in infancy could be associated with achievement of higher education. It is also possible that highly educated people may be more likely to adhere to dietary recommendations on fish consumption.
Barberger-Gateau P, et al. Br Med J 325:932-3, 26 Oct 2002


 

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This is a summary article from MedALERT, a clinical journal review service written by Kathleen Nash. Originally selected to inform General Practitioners, knowledgeable New Zealand health consumers may also find this article useful. This information is intended solely for New Zealand residents and is of a general nature only and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided and at all times should obtain specific advice from a health professional. All rights reserved. © MediMedia (NZ) Ltd. This publication is copyright.