logo
Eating this breakfast daily can lower Alzheimer's risk by almost half and boost brain health

Eating this breakfast daily can lower Alzheimer's risk by almost half and boost brain health

Time of India6 days ago
As the world continues to grapple with the rising tide of Alzheimer's and age-related cognitive decline, researchers continue to explore everyday lifestyle choices and food items that can offer protection from this early cognitive decline, and among them is one surprisingly simple food item that is drawing attention from millions of people worldwide: An egg.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, based on the exclusive data collected from their research sample, suggests that eating more than one egg per week may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia among older adults.
What is Alzheimer's?
According to the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, which is a brain disorder that slowly destroys a person's memory and thinking skills.
Its symptoms include: Loss of cognitive functioning—thinking, remembering, and even reasoning. It is common for some people to have more than two types of dementia. For example, some people have both Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Inside the study: Exploring the link between
egg consumption
and
brain health
The research titled '
Association of Egg Intake with Alzheimer's Dementia Risk in Older Adults:
The Rush Memory and Aging Project' tracked over 1,024 adults (average age came out to be 81.4%), all initially indicating they were free from dementia, for over 7 years.
Their dietary patterns were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and cognitive outcomes were monitored annually. By the end of the study, a total of 280 participants had developed Alzheimer's dementia. But those who consumed eggs more than once per week had almost 50% lower risk compared to those who had fewer eggs.
Why eggs? What makes them brain-friendly?
Through this research, one major factor that stuck out appears to be choline. Choline is an essential nutrient found in high amounts in eggs.
It is a simple nutrient that helps the brain and body work properly. Now, remember it is not a vitamin, but it acts like one. The body makes a small amount of choline even on its own, but most of it has to come from food. Apart from assisting in brain health, Choline also reduces inflammation, regulates mood and mental health, supports muscle function, and even assists in fat metabolism.
Animal-based sources of Choline:
Eggs (especially the yolk)
Fish (like salmon and tuna)
Chicken or turkey
Milk and other dairy products
Alzheimer's risk and neuropathology
While conducting this much-needed research, the researchers also performed brain autopsies on 578 participants who had passed away. The analysis was shocking; it examined the signs of Alzheimer's pathology in the brain, and participants who had consumed more than one egg per week showed:
Fewer amyloid plaques:
Protein build-ups known to have a link with Alzheimers'
Fewer Neurofibrillary tangles
: Twisted-fiber-like components inside the brain cells that disrupt brain function and lead to cognitive decline.
What was the conclusion according to the researchers?
These findings suggest that frequent egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia and AD pathology, and the association with Alzheimer's dementia is partially mediated through dietary choline. As scientists continue to unravel the hidden mysteries of our food consumption with our brain health, it has become quite evident that studies like this underscore the potential of simple, readily available food options that can support brain health.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Car Emissions, Air Pollution Linked To Higher Dementia Risk: Study
Car Emissions, Air Pollution Linked To Higher Dementia Risk: Study

NDTV

timean hour ago

  • NDTV

Car Emissions, Air Pollution Linked To Higher Dementia Risk: Study

New Delhi: Regular exposure to air pollution, including that coming from car exhaust emissions, can increased your risk of dementia, according to an analysis of studies published on Friday. Dementias such as Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than 57.4 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to almost triple to 152.8 million cases by 2050. The study, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5, an individual's relative risk of dementia would increase by 17 per cent. For each 1 micrograms per cubic metre of soot as found in PM2.5, the relative risk for the cognitive condition increased by 13 per cent. Soot comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. "These findings underscore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to dementia prevention. Preventing dementia is not just the responsibility of health care: this study strengthens the case that urban planning, transport policy, and environmental regulation all have a significant role to play," said joint first author Dr. Christiaan Bredell from the University of Cambridge. Air pollution causes inflammation in the brain and oxidative stress (a chemical process in the body that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA), leading to the onset and progression of dementia. "Tackling air pollution can deliver long-term health, social, climate, and economic benefits. It can reduce the immense burden on patients, families, and caregivers, while easing pressure on overstretched health care systems," said Dr. Haneen Khreis from the MRC Epidemiology Unit. For the study, the team carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing scientific literature. They included 51 studies, including data from more than 29 million participants, mostly from high-income countries. Of these, 34 papers were included in the meta-analysis: 15 originated in North America, 10 in Europe, seven in Asia, and two in Australia. The researchers found a positive and statistically significant association between particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot and dementia. Further analysis revealed that the effect of exposure to these pollutants was stronger for vascular dementia -- a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Can You Get Alzheimer's In Your 20s? Aneet Padda's Character Explores It In Saiyaara
Can You Get Alzheimer's In Your 20s? Aneet Padda's Character Explores It In Saiyaara

News18

time4 hours ago

  • News18

Can You Get Alzheimer's In Your 20s? Aneet Padda's Character Explores It In Saiyaara

Last Updated: Saiyaara explores the story of a 22-year-old woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. The movie has sparked an important conversation around the early onset of this disease. The new Bollywood sensation Saiyaara is doing more than breaking box office records. The film, led by newcomer Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday, follows the heartbreaking journey of a 22-year-old woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, a form of dementia rarely seen in young people. With its emotionally rich storytelling and bold subject choice, Saiyaara has not only touched audiences deeply but also triggered real-world questions: Can Alzheimer's really affect people in their twenties? While Alzheimer's disease is typically associated with individuals over the age of 65, a rarer form known as early-onset or younger-onset Alzheimer's can develop decades earlier. According to Johns Hopkins University, this condition has been diagnosed in people as young as their 30s and, in extremely rare cases, even in their 20s. There are two primary forms: The exact triggers for Alzheimer's remain elusive, but researchers point to the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain – specifically beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These interfere with normal brain function, causing irreversible damage to areas responsible for memory, speech, and judgment. While these protein build-ups can occur naturally with age, those with Alzheimer's experience them in higher volumes and at a much earlier stage. Genetics, environmental exposure, and lifestyle choices are all believed to influence the onset and severity of the disease. Recognising The Early Warning Signs Of Alzheimer's Disease Early-onset Alzheimer's often mirrors the symptoms of its later-onset counterpart. These include: In many cases, it's family or close friends who spot these signs before the individual does. Because early-onset Alzheimer's is so uncommon, especially in young adults, symptoms may be dismissed or misdiagnosed. Can You Really Get Alzheimer's In Your 20s? Though almost unheard of, there have been documented instances of Alzheimer's in people under 30. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reported the case of a 19-year-old in China diagnosed with the condition. Such occurrences are extremely rare and often linked to inherited genetic mutations. Who Faces The Highest Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease? Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing early-onset Alzheimer's, including: How Can Alzheimer's Disease Be Treated? There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but medical advancements have led to medications that may help manage symptoms or slow the disease's progression – particularly if diagnosed early. Maintaining cardiovascular health, staying mentally and socially active, and prioritising sleep and nutrition may all contribute to reducing the risk or delaying the onset. view comments Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: July 25, 2025, 10:10 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Can You Get Alzheimer's In Your 20s? Aneet Padda's Character Explores It In Saiyaara Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

COVID-19 May Trigger Alzheimer's-Like Protein Buildup In Brain And Eyes, Study Finds
COVID-19 May Trigger Alzheimer's-Like Protein Buildup In Brain And Eyes, Study Finds

NDTV

time19 hours ago

  • NDTV

COVID-19 May Trigger Alzheimer's-Like Protein Buildup In Brain And Eyes, Study Finds

New research suggests that COVID-19 can lead to protein build-up similar to that seen in Alzheimer's patients, not just in the brain but also in the eyes. Elevated amyloid beta levels were found in the retinal tissue of people who had COVID-19, similar to Alzheimer's-like retinal conditions. Notably, Amyloid beta buildup is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers analysed two proteins, neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The NRP1 protein may serve as an entry point for viruses into human eyes and brains. Researchers found that introducing an NRP1 inhibitor countered the amyloid beta increase caused by COVID-19's spike protein. The study, led by Yale University and published in Science Advances, sheds light on COVID-19 brain fog, which was a commonly reported symptom following infection. The researchers believe that amyloid beta may act as a bodyguard for the brain, indicating underlying danger. "There is growing evidence linking COVID-19 and brain fog, a commonly reported symptom following infection," senior author Brian Hafler, ophthalmologist at Yale School of Medicine, said as quoted by Science Alert. "While the mechanisms of brain fog after COVID-19 are not fully understood, scientists have found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce amyloid beta accumulation in the central nervous system." The research team is conducting clinical studies to determine if COVID-19 increases the long-term risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, to explore NRP1 inhibitors as potential therapeutics. The involvement of NRP1 in amyloid beta aggregation provides a specific molecular target for future investigation. Other viruses may trigger similar amyloid beta buildups, as there's a need for further research. This study contributes to understanding the complex relationship between COVID-19 and neurological health. "Our study showed that exposure to SARS-CoV-2, in particular spike protein, can lead to the formation of amyloid beta aggregates in both human retinal tissue and retinal organoids," Hafler says.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store