A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition indicates that older adults who eat eggs more than once a week may have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia, supported by higher average choline levels found in regular egg consumers.

The research analyzed data from 1,024 participants over an average of seven years, focusing on dietary habits and health outcomes, although it has limitations due to its predominantly female and highly educated sample over 80 years old.

Choline, which is vital for brain health, liver development, muscle movement, and nervous system maintenance, is an essential nutrient that supports cognitive functions and may help protect brain cells from damage.

Low choline levels are associated with increased amyloid plaques and tau tangles, key features of Alzheimer's disease, and choline is crucial for producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning.

Dietary sources of choline, such as eggs, fish, and soybeans, are important for maintaining adequate levels since the liver produces only small amounts, with one large egg providing about 147 mg of choline.

Given the recommended daily intake of 425 mg for women and 550 mg for men, incorporating choline-rich foods like eggs can help meet these nutritional needs.

While the findings are promising, researchers caution that the study is observational and cannot establish causation, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm these results.

Future studies should include diverse populations and randomized controlled trials to better understand the relationship between egg consumption, choline levels, and Alzheimer's risk.

With nearly 13 million Americans projected to be affected by Alzheimer's by 2050, understanding dietary factors like egg consumption could be crucial in addressing this growing health concern.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Egg Nutrition Center, with disclosures indicating some authors have financial ties to the food and nutrition industry.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, primarily affecting those over 65, with over 7.2 million cases in the US and approximately 100,000 deaths annually.