BlogMed

Dementia in the Elderly and Fish Intake

November 29th, 2007 | by Mark Sapienza, M.D. |

Researchers have discovered a possible link between diet  and dementia in the elderly.   Recent evidence has suggested that fish intake in the elderly may favorably influence cognitive function and mental performance and possibly prevent or at least slow dementa.     A study conducted in Norway performed cognitive performance tests on recruited individuals between the ages of 70 and 74 and measured their fish intake.   People whose mean fish intake was greater than 10 grams per day had significantly better cognitive performance and test scores.   The effects were dose dependent with a maximum effect in cognitive scores  in those with a mean intake of 75 grams  per day.    The greatest effect was seen with the intake of fatty fish and lean non-processed fish.   The researchers conclude that a diet high in fish in the elderly may help cognitive function and prevent dementia.

Reference:  Nurk E  et al,      Am J Clin Nutr   2007 (Nov 8; 65(5): 1470-8

Tags: Cognitive Function, Dementia, Fish