Whether fried, scrambled, or poached, eggs could reduce the risk of developing dementia by nearly a third, according to a new study. Research involving almost 40,000 adults over the age of 65 found that those who consumed eggs more frequently were less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Key Findings on Egg Consumption
Compared to never eating eggs, consuming one egg daily for at least five days a week was associated with a 27% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Even modest consumption showed benefits: eating eggs one to three times per month reduced risk by 17%, while two to four eggs per week lowered risk by 20%.
With an estimated 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and Alzheimer's being the most common cause, these findings offer a simple dietary strategy for brain health.
Why Eggs Boost Brain Health
While no diet can cure or reverse dementia, a healthy balanced diet can reduce risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Eggs, in particular, contain nutrients that support brain function. Joan Sabaté, professor at Loma Linda University School of Public Health, explained that eggs provide choline, a precursor to acetylcholine—a chemical messenger critical for memory and learning. Eggs also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that accumulate in brain tissue and are linked to improved cognitive performance and reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids in eggs help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, both of which may contribute to Alzheimer's development.
Study Details
The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, used data from the Adventist Health Study-2, which followed 39,498 Seventh-day Adventists in the United States over 15 years. During that period, 2,858 participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Lead author Jisoo Oh noted, "Research supports eggs as part of a healthy diet. Seventh-day Adventists do eat a healthier diet than the general public, and we want people to focus on overall health along with this knowledge about the benefit of eggs." The observational study was peer-reviewed and partly funded by the American Egg Board, established in 1976 to promote the US egg industry.
