Fish oil contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. These healthy fats have been associated with several benefits, including improving heart health and reducing inflammation. Research indicates that consuming fish oil might also help protect against and treat Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia that leads to memory loss and personality change.
DHA and Alzheimer's
DHA boosts the production of the protein LR11, which helps destroy the protein beta amyloid that forms plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research published in the January 2008 issue of the "Journal of Neuroscience," and reported by ScienceDaily found that low doses of DHA were sufficient. Although these findings are promising, further research is needed.
Cognitive Decline
Research published in the October 2006 issue of the journal "Archives of Neurology,"examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on cognitive decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Patients consumed 1.7 g of DHA and 0.6 g of EPA or a placebo for six months. At the end of the study, scientists discovered that there was no difference between the omega-3 and placebo groups. However, the researchers found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may slow cognitive decline in patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease.
APOE4
Scientists explored the impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Patients consumed 1.7 g of DHA and 0.6 g of EPA or a placebo for six months. Researchers reported in the June 2007 issue of the journal "International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry," that no differences were observed between the groups in terms of psychiatric and behavioral symptoms. However, researchers discovered that patients carrying the APOE4 gene, which makes them more susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease, experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and those not carrying the gene experienced improvements in agitation symptoms.
Side Effects and Interactions
Omega-3 fatty acids may cause a few side effects, including bloating, diarrhea and stomach upset. In addition, omega-3 may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. Consult your health care provider before taking any fish oil supplements.
References
- ScienceDaily; Anti-Alzheimer's Mechanism In Omega-3 Fatty Acids Found; Jan. 2, 2008
- "Archives of Neurology"; W-3 Fatty Acid Treatment in 174 Patients with Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: OmegaAD Study; Yvonne Freund-Levi, et al.; October 2006
- "International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry"; Omega-3 Supplementation in Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's Disease: Effects on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms; Yvonne Freund-Levi, et al.; June 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Jun. 25, 2009
