Fish consumption and brain structure: a comprehensive systematic review of observational studies

Godos, Justyna and Caruso, Giuseppe and Micek, Agnieszka and Dolci, Alberto and Ungvari, Zoltan and Lehoczki, Andrea and León Brizuela, Lisandra and Frias-Toral, Evelyn and Di Mauro, Andrea and Siervo, Mario and Di Rosa, Michelino and Grosso, Giuseppe UNSPECIFIED (2026) Fish consumption and brain structure: a comprehensive systematic review of observational studies. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. ISSN 1720-8319

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Abstract

Background Age-related structural changes in the human brain, including cortical atrophy, reductions in grey and white matter volumes, and the accumulation of small vessel–related lesions such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds, represent critical biological substrates underlying cognitive decline and dementia. Fish consumption has been associated with slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of dementia, but a comprehensive evaluation of its relation with brain structures is lacking. Aims The aim of this study was to systematically review current scientific literature providing evidence of relation between fish intake and brain structures in human studies. Methods Studies indexed in two major electronic databases have been screened based on a combination of keywords and MeSH terms. Studies were eligible whether they assessed fish consumption in relation to brain structures in the adult populations. Results A total of 24 studies conducted predominantly on older adults met inclusion criteria. Most brain volume measures were obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Higher fish consumption was associated with reduced severity of white matter hyperintensities (a biomarker of cerebral small vessel disease and white matter damage) and cerebral micro-bleed, preservation of certain brain areas volumes (i.e., hippocampus, temporal lobe and periventricle white matter) and cortical thickness of specific areas (i.e., precuneus, parietal, and cingulate grey matter), among others, compared to lower intake. Some analyses found no association and isolated findings suggested possible adverse associations that were not consistently replicated. Studies reporting null findings may underline the possible relevance of the overall diet (i.e., adherence to the Mediterranean diet). Conclusions Inclusion of fish in a healthy and balanced diet is associated with better white matter grades on MRI and slower progression of white matter hyperintensities and reduction of vascular-related lesions of the aging brain, suggesting a potential role in preventing neurocognitive deterioration. Heterogeneity across studies underscores the need for additional studies.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Fish Brain structure White matter volume MRI
Subjects:	Subjects > Biomedicine Subjects > Nutrition
Divisions:	Fundación Universitaria Internacional de Colombia > Research > Scientific Production Ibero-american International University > Research > Scientific Production Universidad Internacional do Cuanza > Research > Scientific Production
Depositing User:	Sr Bibliotecario
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2026 09:06
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2026 09:06
URI:	http://repositorio.funiber.org/id/eprint/28323

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