Study Suggests Egg Consumption May Be Linked to Lower Alzheimer's Disease Risk

A simple breakfast staple might be doing more for your brain than you think. New research suggests that regularly eating eggs could be linked to a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease in older adults.

The study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, was led by Loma Linda University Health. It analyzed data from more than 40,000 participants aged 65 and older over an average follow-up period of 15 years. The findings revealed that individuals who consumed at least one egg per day for five days a week had up to a 27% lower risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s compared to those who rarely ate eggs.

Even moderate intake showed benefits. Eating eggs two to four times per week was associated with a 20% lower risk, while just one to three servings per month still correlated with a 17% reduction. These results point to a consistent association between egg consumption and cognitive health, though researchers emphasize this does not prove direct causation.

The potential explanation lies in the nutritional profile of eggs. They are rich in choline, a compound essential for producing acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and learning. Eggs also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which accumulate in brain tissue and may help reduce oxidative stress. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids and phospholipids found in egg yolks support brain cell structure and communication.

Importantly, the study considered both visible egg consumption—such as boiled or scrambled eggs—and hidden sources found in baked or processed foods. Alzheimer’s diagnoses were confirmed through physician records linked to Medicare data, strengthening the reliability of the findings.

While the results are promising, overall lifestyle factors—including diet quality, physical activity, and metabolic health—remain crucial in shaping long-term brain health.

REFERENCE: Oh, J., et al. (2026). Egg Intake and the Incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Adventist Health Study-2 Cohort Linked with Medicare Data. The Journal of Nutrition. DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101541. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316626001902?via%3Dihub