Eating fish weekly could boost brain health

Scientists have discovered that eating baked or broiled fish once a week can help to boost the brain's health, which could combat conditions such as dementia.

Research from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showed that while this type of food can be beneficial for cognitive functioning, no link was found between fish's omega-3 count and improved brain power. Fried fish was not shown to have the same benefits for individuals.

It transpired those who consumed baked or broiled fish once a week or more frequently had 4.3 per cent more grey matter volumes in the part of the brain that represents memory, while they had 14 per cent more for cognition. 

Senior investigator Dr James Becker, who is also professor of psychiatry at the university, said: "This suggests that lifestyle factors, in this case eating fish, rather than biological factors contribute to structural changes in the brain."

He added that the combination of certain lifestyle choices could have the ability to stop or push back the onset of cognitive impairment.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.