Fish slows rate of cognitive decline

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Fish Fights Aging In The Brain

Oct. 10, 2005

Fish really is brain food after all, according to a new study, which

shows eating fish can slow the mental decline associated with aging.

The results show that eating fish at least once a week slowed the rate

of mental or cognitive decline in elderly people by 10 percent to 13

percent per year.

" That rate of reduction is equivalent to being three to four years

younger in age, " write researcher Martha Clare , ScD, of Rush

University Medical Center, Chicago, and colleagues in the Archives of

Neurology.

Their findings were released online today in advance of the scheduled

December publication date in the journal.

Researchers attribute the protective effects of fish on the brain to

omega-3 fatty acids. Fish, especially oily types like salmon and tuna,

are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for

brain development and normal brain functioning.

Eating fish regularly has already been linked to a lower risk of

dementia and stroke, and some animal studies show that at least one

type of omega-3 fatty acid known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) plays

an important role in memory performance during aging.

Fish Slows Mental Decline

In the study, researchers looked at the relationship between fish

consumption and age-related cognitive decline in more than 4,000

participants aged 65 and over in the ongoing Chicago Health and Aging

Project.

Researchers interviewed the participants every three years and

assessed their mental function as well as their diets.

After more than six years of follow up, researchers found that the

more fish people ate, the slower their rate of mental decline.

People who ate fish at least once a week experienced a 10%-13% lower

rate of cognitive decline than those who ate fish less frequently.

Researchers say these protective benefits of fish persisted even after

adjusting for other dietary factors, such as fruit and vegetable

consumption.

" This study suggests that eating one or more fish meals per week may

protect against cognitive decline associated with older age, " write

the researchers. " More precise studies of the different dietary

constituents of fish should help to understand the nature of the

association. "

Sources: , M. Archives of Neurology, Oct. 10, 2005 online

edition; vol 62. News release, American Medical Association.