Does the consumption of fish or meat decrease the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease? This is the question that French researchers set out to answer in a recent study.

More than 1,400 adults, aged 68 and older, reported their fish and meat-eating habits for a period of two to seven years. Education levels were also noted as it has been suggested that individuals with higher-level education are at a decreased risk of dementia due to a greater "brain reserve."

It was found that those who ate fish at least once a week were 34 percent less likely to develop dementia over seven years than those who did not. It has been suggested that the fatty acids in fish may have a protective effect on the brain, thus reducing inflammation in the brain and protecting vascular health.

Interestingly, no significant association was found between meat-eating and risk of dementia.

British Medical Journal October 25, 2002;325:932-933 Full Text Article

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

More compelling evidence to make certain you are consuming your omega-3 fats. There are a number of studies that show that fish oils are associated with decreased depression.

Dr. Stoll, director of the psychopharmacology research lab at Boston's McLean Hospital and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, discusses this extensively in his book The Omega-3 Connection, one of the books I most recommend included in my Highly Recommended Books section on the site. In it he reviews the new evidence supporting the use of omega-3 oils for depression.

In addition to treating depression and dementia, omega-3 will also do wonders for improving the intelligence of children while protecting them from the epidemic of brain injuries such as autism, pervasive developmental delay and ADHD.

I thoroughly enjoyed his book, but disagree with his recommendations to avoid using cod liver oil. It is my experience that as long as the dose is carefully monitored, cod liver oil is far more beneficial than traditional fish oil capsules. Cod liver oil is chock full of natural vitamins D and A, and most of us become deficient in vitamin D in the winter when our sun exposure decreases quite dramatically.

This is the season during which most of us would benefit from switching from fish oil to cod liver oil. I highly recommend Carlson's brand, which is now available for purchase on this site. After years of research, I've found that Carlson's offers the purest, most superior product available. The dose of cod liver oil is one teaspoon for every 50 pounds of body weight.

Related Articles:

Antidepressant in Pregnancy Not a Great Idea

Does Your Child Have ADHD? Consider Fish Oil Over Ritalin

Fish Oil Cuts Risk of Sudden Death