Alzheimer's Disease can be Prevented by Eating Fish, Seafood at Least Once a Week: Study

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Studies have pointed out that a diet of fish can help prevent Alzheimer's disease. However, while seafood is good for the brain, its links to mercury poisoning has been explored in a new study published in the JAMA Network.

Researchers from Rush University conducted their study among older participants in Chicago and analyzed their diet from as far back as 1997. Of these participants, 286 have died between 2004 and 2013 and the researchers did an autopsy of their brains to determine mercury levels and neurological damage.

They found out that those who reported eating seafood at least once a week had higher levels of mercury in the brain. However, this didn't seem to have any adverse effect on their neurological system. Instead, the researchers discovered that they had less amyloid plaques.

Memory Loss Online cited that amyloid plaques is a type of brain abnormality that causes protein cells to build up and block the nerves. The occurrence can then lead to Alzheimer's.

"The findings were very striking," said Rush University's Martha Clare Morris via CNN. Expecting to prove that regularly eating fish and seafood can eventually poison the brain, the experts were able to provide additional data to support earlier studies about the benefits of fish.

"One theory is that seafood consumption may be more beneficial in older age because, as we age, we lose DHA in the brain," Morris said. Fish and seafood are rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps strengthen the brain structure and lessen the ApoE4 genetic variation.

Time reported that at least 30 percent of the general public have ApoE4 in their genetic makeup. In fact, some 22.7 percent of the participants in the study were found to have ApoE4. However, the researchers also acknowledged the study had some limitations, as they could not determine whether a fish diet can also protect those who genetically do not have ApoE4.

Meanwhile, the experts stated that their study doesn't validate seafood as the sole food that can protect those suffering from the brain disease. What the researchers did achieve was to prove mercury levels are not dangerous for someone who enjoys eating fish and seafood. It is suggested that three ounces of seafood a week could offer enough protection against Alzheimer's.

"The concern about eating seafood because of mercury should be allayed somewhat by this study since we didn't see any evidence that increased levels of mercury in the brain is causing brain pathologies," Morris further confirmed.