Seafood’s Role in Dementia Prevention

Slip, Slop, Slap for Your Brain: Seafood’s Role in Dementia Prevention

Today (23 July 2025) at the National Press Club, Professor Henry Brodaty AO—scientist, clinician, and advocate—challenged all Australians to adopt a “slip, slop, slap” approach to brain health. Drawing parallels to the famous sun-safety campaign, he urged us to protect, nourish, and preserve our most vital asset: our brains.

Why Brain Health Matters

Prof. Brodaty highlighted a stark reality: over 433,000 Australians are currently living with dementia — a number projected to double by mid-century . While we await disease-modifying treatments, his address focused on prevention through lifestyle and dietary modifications, echoing groundbreaking findings from the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) that show we can delay dementia onset by more than a year.

Also, Visiting Professor Michael Angus Crawford, PhD, FRSB, FRSC, FRCPath (Imperial College, London) has also mentioned to SCA, “If you project the escalation of Autism or Child Needs for the next ten years the result is very scary! As we write in "The Shrinking Brain", the escalation of mental ill health and declining IQ is more serious than climate change. If we lose the brain that is the end. No government does anything. It is under the carpet. 2005-2013 there were 5 audits of the cost of ill health 2 EU, 2 UK and one independent (Wellcome Trust). All FIVE have disorders of the brain top of the list. Dr Jo Nurse, the head at Department of Health, Mental Health program, had extensive research completed, said the cost was greater than heart disease and cancer combined. No one did anything. Ignored deliberately?? It is so screaming out for answers and actions.”

Seafood: A Brain-Boosting Superfood

Seafood is uniquely positioned as part of that protective lifestyle. Here is how it helps maintain and enhance cognitive health as we age:

1.Omega 3 Richness (DHA & EPA)

Long-chain omega 3 fatty acids—especially DHA—are essential structural components of our brain’s cell membranes, critical for memory and learning. Regular intake is linked to slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk.

2.Inflammation Reduction

Chronic neuroinflammation accelerates cognitive deterioration. Omega 3s are potent anti-inflammatories, helping to shield the brain from ongoing damage.

3.Improved Cerebral Blood Flow

Fish oils improve blood vessel flexibility and circulation, ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrients reach brain tissue—vital for sharp cognition.

4.Nutrient Powerhouse

Seafood is a rich source of B12, iodine, selenium, vitamin D, and protein—all essential to brain health and resilience.

5.Associated with Lower Dementia Rates

Numerous studies identify a 15–30% reduction in cognitive decline among those eating fish 1–2 times per week, backing Prof. Brodaty’s call for lifestyle interventions .

Putting It Into Practice

Similar to applying sunscreen, the “slip, slop, slap” of brain care means:

  • Slip seafood into your weekly meals (aim for 2–3 servings).
  • Slop healthy, nutrient-rich foods like fresh fish, oily varieties (salmon, sardines, mackerel), and sustainably sourced options.
  • Slap on routine: regular fish consumption, along with physical activity, good sleep, mental challenges, and social connection. Avoid smoking completely and reduce alcohol consumption.

By combining seafood with other lifestyle habits, we deliver the full protective effect on our brains—just as Prof. Brodaty advocates .

Your Call to Action

As the Seafood Consumers Association, we can champion this message—encouraging seafood consumption not just for flavour, but for your evolving brain. Let’s support:

  • Educational campaigns: Highlight the link between fish and cognitive health.
  • Recipes & tips: Make brain-healthy seafood easy and delicious.
  • Collaboration with health experts: Amplify Prof. Brodaty’s press club message across media and community channels.

Because when it comes to brain health, it’s not just what you eat—it’s when you still can. And seafood might be one of your strongest allies in the fight against dementia.

References:

Media Contacts:

SCA Media Contact: CEO, Roy Palmer +61 492825012 or seafoodsdg@outlook.com