Eggs for breakfast might do more than start your morning, according to a new study. The research – published in The Journal of Nutrition – suggests eggs could also be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
A study cited by Women’s Health Magazine found that people who ate eggs regularly had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with those who rarely ate them.
Researchers analyzed health data from nearly 40,000 adults in the Adventist Health Study-2, according to Women’s Health Magazine. Over about 15 years, 2,858 participants were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The study found that people who ate eggs one to three times a month had a 17 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Those who ate eggs two to four times a week had a 20 percent lower risk. People who ate eggs more than five times a week had up to a 27 percent lower risk.
Researchers noted the study shows an association, not cause and effect.
“The main takeaway is that moderate egg consumption as part of a healthy diet may support brain health and be associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said lead author Jisoo Oh, according to Women’s Health Magazine.
Eggs contain nutrients such as choline, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which researchers say may support memory and brain function.
For Black families, experts say awareness, early screening for memory changes, and management of chronic conditions remain key steps in reducing risk and improving outcomes over time.
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Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5.7 million Americans, and Black Americans are disproportionately impacted.
According to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, about 20 percent of people living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. are African American, and they account for roughly 33 percent of the disease’s national cost burden.
Research published by the National Library of Medicine also shows that older African Americans may face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease than white Americans. The research notes that conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, which are more common in Black communities due to long-standing health disparities, may increase risk.
Studies also show Black Americans are underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research, which limits understanding of how the disease affects different populations.
Experts say diet alone is not a prevention strategy for Alzheimer’s disease.
Health professionals commonly recommend overall brain-supporting habits, including regular physical activity, quality sleep, and the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Diet patterns such as the Mediterranean or MIND diet are often cited in research for supporting long-term brain health.
Some researchers in the study also noted that results should be viewed in context. The findings are observational, meaning other lifestyle and health factors could influence the results.
Still, researchers say diet choices may play a role in long-term brain health when combined with other healthy habits.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health concern as the U.S. population ages. According to research from the National Library of Medicine, the number of older adults is increasing, and racial and ethnic diversity among older adults is also rising.
Researchers say this shift is important because Alzheimer’s risk and outcomes may differ across populations, and more inclusive research is needed to better understand those differences.
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