Childhood and adolescent fish consumption and adult neuropsychological performance: An analysis from the Cape Cod Health Study

- We examined childhood fish consumption and adult neuropsychological performance.
- Moderate fish consumption appears to confer benefit in some neurological domains.
- Fish consumption twice per month improved measures of visual learning, memory, and attention.
- Further studies of this relationship are warranted.

ObjectiveThis exploratory analysis examines the relationship between childhood and adolescent fish consumption and adult neuropsychological performance.DesignData from a retrospective cohort study that assessed fish consumption from age 7 to 18 years via questionnaire were analyzed. A subset of the population underwent domain-specific neuropsychological assessment. Functions evaluated included omnibus intelligence, academic achievement, language, visuospatial skills, learning and memory, attention and executive function, fine motor coordination, mood, and motivation to perform.SettingEight towns in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts, USA, an area characterized by high fish consumption and an active seafood industry.SubjectsA cohort of 1245 subjects was recruited based on Massachusetts birth records from 1969 to 1983. Sixty-five participants from the original cohort underwent neuropsychological testing in adulthood (average age = 30 years).ResultsParticipant report of consuming fish at least twice per month was associated with better performance on tests of visual learning, memory, and attentional abilities. However, self-report of consuming fish at rates higher than twice per month was not associated with improved abilities. No statistically significant associations were observed between type of fish consumed (e.g., species known to be high in methylmercury content) and test outcomes.ConclusionsThe results suggest that moderate fish consumption during childhood and adolescence may be associated with some cognitive benefits and that consumption of fish during this exposure window may potentially influence adult neuropsychological performance. Future prospective studies should take into account this time period of exposure.