Alzheimer's Disease Update: No Connection Between The Disease And Seafood Mercury, According To Study

Some people have been turned off from eating seafood because of recent reports that the mercury in seafood can cause the development of Alzheimer's disease. But here's good news to all seafood lovers out there. According to a new study, there is actually no connection between seafood and Alzheimer's disease.

The research, led by Rush University Medical Center's Martha Clare Morris, involved the study of more than 500 deceased patients whose brains have undergone autopsy, according to Medical News Today. Although the researchers found out that those who consumed more seafood had higher brain mercury levels, there is no reason to believe that it has any significant connection to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

"A major concern in public health was whether the increased mercury exposure that comes from consuming seafood might have harmful effects on the brain as we age," Morris explained to Medical News Today. "This study provides evidence that the increased mercury exposure is not correlated with increased brain pathologies associated with dementia."

After finding out that brain mercury levels and seafood consumption have no significant link with the development of Alzheimer's disease, the research team led by Morris are now planning to study another very important health topic. "We are also making plans to investigate whether the accumulation of other metals in the brain lead to neurodegenerative diseases linked to dementia, like Alzheimer's disease," Morris further shared.

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disease that causes a gradual deterioration of memory, thinking, problem solving, reasoning and other brain functions, according to Alz.org. The development of this degenerative disease can be prevented by performing regular physical exercises, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, providing mental stimulation for the brain, having adequate sleep daily, learning how to properly manage stress and actively socializing with friends and family, according to Help Guide.