A new study is underway to investigate whether eggs may be a useful addition to your diet, to help prevent or delay dementia. During the six-month study, subjects will be divided into those who have two eggs a day and those who don't.
They will then be tested for memory, reasoning, verbal fluency and attention span - which are all taken into account when measuring dementia.
The Mail Online also reported that ahead of the study, researchers at the Tufts University based in the US, have high expectations that eggs will play a significant role in mental functions.
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Early Signs of Dementia
Memory Loss(01 of11)
Open Image ModalWhile memory loss is a normal part of aging people with early dementia become much more forgetful and often become upset when corrected or reminded. In many cases, memory loss is often exaggerated due to depression or other causes.
Difficult Performing Familiar Tasks(02 of11)
Open Image ModalTasks that were once routine such as cooking or self-care can become much more difficult and many dementia patients often need to be supervised to avoid accidents. This is especially true in cooking since fires can start due to food being left on a stove accidentally.
Problems With Language(03 of11)
Open Image ModalForgetting certain words or problems with language comprehension may make dementia patients harder to understand. In many cases however, language skills can stay intact until relatively late in the illness which lets dementia patients mask their problem and delay proper diagnosis.
Disorientation (04 of11)
Open Image ModalDo you or a loved one get lost frequently in once-familiar neighbourhoods or other places? While forgetting where you are or the proper date is something that happens to everyone once in a while, a recurring pattern might indicate a problem.
Impaired Judgement(05 of11)
Open Image ModalNew problems with self-care, poor hygiene, bad financial decisions, or other examples of judgment problems might be a sign of dementia. Driving is a particular concern at this stage since people who are even in an early stage of dementia might become dangers to themselves or others.
Problems With Abstract Thinking(06 of11)
Open Image ModalAbstract thinking is defined as the ability to use concepts and understand generalizations such as numbers. Are you or a loved one having a problem balancing a cheque-book or not understanding what a birthday is?
Losing Things(07 of11)
Open Image ModalThough we all misplace objects at times, a consistent pattern of losing things or misplacing familiar objects (eg., placing keys in a refrigerator) is a signal that something is wrong.
Changes in Mood and Behaviour (08 of11)
Open Image ModalThis can be tricky since depression is often associated with early dementia. Whether the depression is causing the symptoms or masking an underlying problem is something best left to a competent professional.
Changes in Personality(09 of11)
Open Image ModalPersonality can change as people grow older but are your or someone close to you becoming more withdrawn or suspicious? Apathy, fearfulness or uncharacteristic behaviour can also be signs that something is wrong.
Loss of Initiative(10 of11)
Open Image ModalDon't feel like doing the things that you usually do? Are you too tired or simply don't have the energy that you used to have? While it's normal to slow down as we get older, becoming more passive or needing to be prompted to do things might be a sign of developing dementia.
Loss of Initiative(11 of11)
Open Image ModalDon't feel like doing the things that you usually do? Are you too tired or simply don't have the energy that you used to have? While it's normal to slow down as we get older, becoming more passive or needing to be prompted to do things might be a sign of developing dementia.
The exploration into what role diet plays in dementia may have received a boost after a study last year, where researchers stated that foods rich in omega-3 and vitamin D3 could help boost the body's immune system. Specifically, its ability to clear toxic and deadly plaques which are responsible for damaging the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers.
After the study, Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said on Express.co.uk: “Clinical trials with omega-3 and vitamin D supplements have not shown clear benefits in staving off cognitive decline in healthy older people.
“Current evidence suggests the best way to keep the brain healthy is through a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking, keeping a healthy weight, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check.”