Scientists for years have been researching possible ways of preventing the onset of Alzheimer's later in life. A new study suggests that a common kitchen ingredient could be the key to stopping neurodegenerative disease.
The research, published in The Journal of Nutrition, points to eggs being a potential saving grace when preventing Alzheimer's dementia as we age. Eggs have long been praised for their neurological benefits as they're packed with choline, omega-3 fatty acids, and lutein—all important nutrients for brain health. And while some evidence suggests that eating eggs often can improve cognitive performance on verbal tests, up until now, it's been unknown if eating eggs can itself influence the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
The scientists examined the self-reported dietary habits of 1,024 adults with an average age of 81.4 years. They found that eating more than one egg per week was associated with a 47 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's. After several years of follow-ups, 280 participants, or about 27.3 percent of the total cohort, were diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Eggs' choline content in particular was of interest to the scientists. "These findings suggest that frequent egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s dementia and [Alzheimer's disease] pathology, and the association with Alzheimer’s dementia is partially mediated through dietary choline," they concluded in the paper.
The study adds to scientific literature including a 2021 study that found a slower rate of memory decline among those who ate at least one egg per week compared to those who didn't. It's the first of its kind to suggest a link between consuming eggs and Alzheimer's disease risk.
Related: Certain Vaccines Associated With Lower Alzheimer's Risk, Study Finds
More research is being done into eggs' potential neurological benefits, and the preliminary results don't conclusively establish that eating eggs prevents Alzheimer's. Still, it's a promising step in the right direction.
"Eggs are one of the few commonly consumed foods that are naturally rich in choline, a nutrient that we are researching to further understand its role in supporting both cognitive development in infants and young children and maintenance during the aging process," study lead author Taylor Wallace said in a statement. "This study adds to the growing body of evidence that dietary choices can have a significant impact on reducing the risk of Alzheimer's dementia and supporting lifelong cognitive health."
Just be ready for more flatulence from grandpa.
