Dr Mosley shares protein-packed breakfast that could protect against Alzheimer’s

Research continues to uncover new ways of reducing symptoms or slowing cognitive decline linked to dementia.

However, Dr Michael Mosley believes that “prevention is better than cure” so he takes daily steps to keep his brain “in shape”.

He penned for Daily Mail: “I’m not complacent. My dad, who died aged 74, was already showing signs of cognitive decline, so I’ve been keeping an eye on dementia research and doing what I can to minimise my risk.”

The doctor shared that the very first thing he does daily to stave off the mind-robbing condition is “big breakfast”.

“I like to start my day with (protein-packed) eggs or kippers, because they taste good and keep me fuller for longer,” he said.

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While the UK Government guidelines suggest you should strive for 45 to 55 grams of protein a day, Dr Mosley shared that plenty of research agrees that you need more.

“Particularly as you get older, to keep your bones and muscles in good shape,” he added.

What’s more, the doctor said that eating more protein may also “help protect against Alzheimer’s”.

Don’t take just Dr Mosley’s word for it, as research, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, also backs this claim.

The findings suggested that a diet packed with protein-rich foods such as meat and legumes could help stave off the brain condition.

Researchers from Edith Cowan University looked at the diets of 541 Australians and measured the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ) in their brain, which is considered a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. 

The research team then found that participants with higher levels of protein in their diet were less likely to have high levels of Aβ in their brains.

Those who ate the recommended levels of protein, capped at 54 grams per day, were 12 times more likely to have high levels of amyloid in their brain, compared to those eating around 118 grams, Dr Mosley added.

The research team is now investigating why eating more of the nutrient seems to be protective.

Lead researcher Dr Binosha Fernando said: “One possibility is that previous studies have shown that a high protein diet is associated with lower blood pressure.

“High blood pressure is a risk factor for both Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. 

“We also know that developing cardiovascular disease increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”