Dementia: Eating fish can reduce the risk of vascular dementia

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Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms associated with deterioration of the brain, such as memory loss. The possibility haunts people as they age because age is a risk factor, although it is not a direct cause. However, research indicates that you can modify the risk by undertaking healthy lifestyle interventions earlier. A new study advances the current understanding of the role that diet can play in reducing risk.

What did the research reveal?

Participants who said they ate more fish had fewer signs of damage in MRI scans of their brains than those who ate it less frequently.

The association between fish intake and vascular disease was stronger in people aged 65 to 69 years than in the study’s older population, and there was no significant relationship in people aged over 75.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Rosa Sancho, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“For most of us, dementia risk depends on the complex interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Understanding which aspects of our lifestyle have the greatest impact on our brain health is key to enabling people to make informed decisions about how they live their lives.”

“Observational studies like this are not able to determine cause and effect. While researchers have attempted to control for other factors that could underlie differences in markers of cerebrovascular disease, it is difficult to conclusively attribute these factors to the amount of fish in people’s diets.” Because the participants had one brain scan and reported their eating habits at one point in time, it’s not clear how relevant the findings are to long-term brain health.

The NHS recommends eating two servings of fish per week as part of a balanced diet. We know that oily fish can be a source of important fatty acids, but it is unlikely that any specific food or supplement is the key to maintaining a healthy brain.

“Research shows that what’s good for your heart tends to be good for your brain and taking steps to control blood pressure and cholesterol, not smoking, drinking only within recommended limits and leading an active lifestyle are all linked to improved brain health as we age.”

Dementia – signs to spot

Dementia is not a disease in itself. It is a group of symptoms that result from brain damage caused by various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

These symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.

Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and each person will experience symptoms in their own way.

However, “there are some common early symptoms that may appear for some time before dementia is diagnosed,” the NHS notes.

These include:

Memory loss Difficulty concentrating Finding it difficult to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as feeling confused about the right change when shopping, struggling to follow a conversation or finding the right word, feeling confused about when and where, mood changes.

“These symptoms are often mild and may very gradually get worse,” adds the NHS.

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