Alzheimer's disease is a disorder that affects the brain function and memory. It is the most common form of dementia, and an estimated 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with this condition, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are a caretaker for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's, you should talk to her doctor about possible benefits of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids.
Prevention & Treatment
Some nutrients may play a role in the prevention and delaying the onset of Alzheimer's, suggests a study published in 2010 issue of "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease." The nutrients discussed in this study are omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and antioxidants. The elderly tend to be deficient in these nutrients, which may aggravate changes in cognition, memory, behavior and health of the nerve cells and therefore may be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease. This study emphasizes that early intervention and correction of nutrient deficiencies are important in preventing this condition.
Another study featured in May 2009 in "Drug News and Perspectives" supports the idea of using omega-3, particularly docosahexaenoid acid, or DHA, because this fatty acid may help reverse cognition and behavior problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. In addition, DHA decreases inflammatory and degenerative changes in the brain.
More Benefits
Loss of appetite with subsequent weight loss and malnutrition are also symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Omega-3 fatty acids enriched with DHA improve weight and appetite in individuals diagnosed with mild and moderate forms of Alzheimer's. This is the conclusion of a study published in January 2009 in "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society." This study evaluated 204 patients with Alzheimer's who received daily supplementation with omega-3 essential fatty acids and were followed over a 12-month period.
Drug Interactions
Omega-3s may increase the risk of bleeding and therefore should be used cautiously and only under medical supervision in cases of Alzheimer's patients that use blood-thinner drugs like aspirin or warfarin. This supplement may increase the blood sugar levels and increase the efficacy of cholesterol lowering agents.
Considerations
Omega-3 essential fatty acids appear to be beneficial in improving both mental and physical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and a deficiency in this nutrient is prevalent in elderly persons diagnosed with this condition. If you are a caretaker for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's, consult a qualified health care provider to find out more about this supplement. Keep in mind that omega-3 supplements do not replace and should not be used to replace any conventional drugs prescribed for this condition.
References
- "Journal of Alzheimer's Disease"; Can Nutrients Prevent or Delay Onset of Alzheimer's Disease?; PJ. Kamphuis et al; 2010
- "Drug News and Perspectives"; Fatty acid facts, Part IV: Docosahexaenoic Acid and Alzheimer's Disease. A Story of Mice, Men and Fish; EK. Pauwles et al; May, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alzheimer Disease
- Univeristy of Maryland, Medical Center: Omega 3 Fatty Acids
- "Journal of The American Geriatrics Society"; Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Effects on Weight and Appetite in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: The Omega-3 Alzheimer's Disease Study; GV. Irving et al; January, 2009
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