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# Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Lower in Those Eating Baked, Broiled Fish
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/alzheimer_s_disease_fish_1130110342/
- Published: 2011-11-30T16:40:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T15:46:11.000Z
- Description: Among 260 cognitively healthy volunteers, those eating baked or broiled fish at least weekly showed better-preserved gray matter on MRI in brain areas at risk for Alzheimer's ten years later, and their five-year risk of decline to mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's fell to one-fifth of normal.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Food, Nutrition, Fish, Alzheimer's, #vivvo-import

By Stephen Lau and editing by Stacey Sexton

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh say that eating broiled or baked fish several times a week may help maintain brain health and cut the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study was conducted on 260 cognitively healthy volunteers from Cardiovascular Health Study. The volunteers’ consumption of fish was assessed by the National Cancer Institute Food Frequency Questionnaire, and each of them underwent a 3-D volumetric MRI of the brain. A brain mapping technique-voxel-based morphometry-was used to model the relationship between weekly fish consumption and brain structure 10 years later.

The data collected from the volunteers were analyzed to determine if gray matter volume preservation associated with fish consumption decreased the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. 

The results showed that people who consumed baked or broiled fish at least once a week had better preservation of or even increased gray matter volume in brain areas at risk for Alzheimer’s. Because of fish consumption, the risk for five-year decline to MCI or Alzheimer’s disease was decreased to one-fifth of normal risk.

Gray matter (also grey matter) is made up of neuronal cell bodies. It includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control, sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions and speech.

Previous studies have found correlations between gray matter volume in elderly persons and measures of semantic and short-term memory. Higher volume of gray matter indicates better brain health.

"Consuming baked or broiled fish promotes stronger neurons in the brain's gray matter by making them larger and healthier," Dr. Raji, M.D., Ph.D, lead researcher of the study said. "This simple lifestyle choice increases the brain's resistance to Alzheimer's disease and lowers risk for the disorder."

According to the National Institute of Health, Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and cognitive skills. It is estimated that 5.1 million Americans may have this disease. People with Alzheimer's disease will eventually lose their capability of living a normal life.

The early symptoms of Alzheimer’s are frequent recent memory loss, problems expressing oneself, and difficulty writing or driving among other things.

"Working memory, which allows people to focus on tasks and commit information to short-term memory, is one of the most important cognitive domains," Dr. Raji said. 

"Working memory is destroyed by Alzheimer's disease. We found higher levels of working memory in people who ate baked or broiled fish on a weekly basis, even when accounting for other factors such as education, age, gender and physical activity."

Some deep sea or cold water fish such as salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been associated with lower risk of mild cognitive impairment. These fatty acids are known to be brain-healthy.

Alzheimer’s disease cannot be cured, but its progression can be delayed. The following are ways to do so:

1\. Exercise regularly. The Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation says that regular exercise cuts the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 50 percent.

2\. Get enough sleep. We basically relax ourselves by sleeping, and those who sleep well tend to maintain a better mood throughout the day.

3\. Eat a balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables are healthy for everyone, and the elderly should consume a moderate amount of them every day. It is also advisable to limit salt and sugar intake.

4\. Participate in social activity. Visiting old friends, taking a class or even participating in a political movement are good for delaying memory loss. Social interaction keeps your brain active. 

5\. Do or learn something new. Even activities as simple as drawing or reciting a poem by memory keep the brain active.

It is important to note that eating fried fish does not delay Alzheimer’s. Different cooking methods have different effects on the fish. But further research is needed to assess why only baked and broiled fish help postpone the disease.