A recent published study conducted within the Rush Memory and Aging Project determined that consumption of either one or two eggs per week was beneficial in supporting cognitive function in the elderly.  The study involved 1,024 adults with a mean age of 81 years with the longitudinal prospective study proceeding for 6.7 years with appropriate follow-up.  Subjects were evaluated on the basis of standard cognitive tests and with examination of brain pathology for 578 decedents.

Statistical analysis of data demonstrated that consumption of more than one or two eggs per week, was associated with a 47% reduced risk of Alzheimer's Dementia.

The study suggested that 39 percent of the beneficial effect was attributed to increased consumption of dietary choline. Each egg contributes 150mg. of the nutrient representing one quarter of the recommended daily allowance.

The authors cautioned that Alzheimer's Dementia is a complex clinical and pathological condition but the apparent benefit from egg consumption suggests further research to confirm the validity of the initial evaluation.

The Rush Memory and Aging Project is supported by the National Institute on Aging and aspects of the trial were sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center of the American Egg Board.

*Pan, Y., Wallace, T. C., Karosas, T., et. al. Association of Egg Intake with Alzheimer’s Dementia Risk in Older Adults:  The Rush Memory and Aging Project. J. Nutritio.n doi.org/10.1016/j.tjmut.2024.05.012