Omega-3 improve clinical function in patients with Alzheimer's

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Brain benefits from regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids may be more pronounced in people with mild cognitive decline than people with mild Alzheimer’s.

The small study conducted by researchers from Taiwan adds to a substantial body of evidence linking the use of omega-3 supplements for mental health problems in general, and dementia and Alzheimer's in particular. Building on this science, the 24-week, randomised, double-blind study with 46 people receiving placebo or omega-3 reports an improvement in cognitive scores for people with mild cognitive impairment, but not mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease.

While no significant changes were observed in the cognitive portion of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) between the omega-3 receiving individuals and those receiving placebo, when the researchers considered the mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease people and people with mild cognitive decline separately, a “significant improvement in ADAS-cog” was observed, they said. “Omega-3 fatty acids may improve general clinical function in patients with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, but not their cognitive function,” wrote the researchers. "The cognitive effects of omega-3 fatty acids might be favoured in patients with mild cognitive impairment rather than those with Alzheimer’s disease.”

According to the researchers, their preliminary results indicate that a further study with omega-3 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment is “feasible”. “Further studies should be considered with a larger-sample size, diet registration, higher dosage, comparison between different combinations of EPA and DHA (such as pure EPA, pure DHA and placebo), a more inert placebo, and greater homogeneity of participants, especially those with mild Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment,” they concluded.

Two earlier studies published in April 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that regular consumption of omega-3-rich food could prevent age-related cognitive decline. The studies, from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, and the University of North Carolina, stated that only a limited number of studies have looked at the decline in cognitive function that precedes these diseases. The majority of science for the health benefits of fish and omega-3 consumption has focused on cardiovascular health, but the science for cognitive benefits is growing and almost as compelling as the heart health data.Moreover, the number of studies reporting potential risk reduction of certain cancers, improved development of a baby during pregnancy, joint health, and improved behaviour and mood, are also growing. http://www.nutraingredients.com

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