Study opens door to possibility that nutritional intervention could prevent Alzheimer's disease

The incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is expected to triple in the coming decades and no cure has been found. Recently, interest in dietary approaches for prevention of cognitive decline has increased. In particular, the omega-3 fatty acids have shown anti-amyloid, anti-tau and anti-inflammatory actions in the brains of animals. In a new article published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers have found that for patients with high omega-3 levels, blood flow in specific areas of the brain is increased.

"This study is a major advance in demonstrating the value of nutritional intervention for brain health by using the latest brain imaging," commented George Perry, PhD, Dean and Professor of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Single photon emission computed tomography, or SPECT, can measure blood perfusion in the brain. Images acquired from subjects performing various cognitive tasks will show higher blood flow in specific brain regions. When these images were compared to the Omega-3 Index, a measure of the blood concentration of two omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), investigators found a statistically significant correlation between higher blood flow and higher Omega-3 Index. In addition, they evaluated the neuropsychological functions of the subjects and found that omega-3 levels also correlated with various psychological feelings using a standardized test battery (WebNeuro).

This study drew from a random sample of 166 participants from a psychiatric referral clinic for which Omega-3 Index results were available. The participants were categorized into two groups of higher EPA+DHA concentrations (>50th percentile) and lower concentrations (<50th percentile). Quantitative brain SPECT was conducted on 128 regions of their brains and each participant completed computerized testing of their neurocognitive status.

Results indicated statistically significant relationships between the Omega-3 index, regional perfusion on brain SPECT in areas involved with memory, and neurocognitive testing.

Overall, the study showed positive relationships between omega-3 EPA+DHA status, brain perfusion, and cognition. Lead author Daniel G. Amen, MD, of the Amen Clinics Inc., Costa Mesa, CA, adds, "This is very important research because it shows a correlation between lower omega-3 fatty acid levels and reduced brain blood flow to regions important for learning, memory, depression and dementia."

Co-author William S. Harris, PhD, University of South Dakota School of Medicine. Vermillion, SD, lends this perspective, "Although we have considerable evidence that omega-3 levels are associated with better cardiovascular health, the role of the 'fish oil' fatty acids in mental health and brain physiology is just beginning to be explored. This study opens the door to the possibility that relatively simple dietary changes could favorably impact cognitive function."

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Comments

  1. Lonnie Nichols Lonnie Nichols United States says:

    With beet root juice and dark chocolate increasing brain perfusion via Nitric Oxide, do they have the same results as Omega 3s?

  2. Storm Crow Storm Crow United States says:

    Omega 3 is needed to properly form the cannabinoid receptors of your endocannabinoid system. (See “Nutritional omega-3 deficiency abolishes endocannabinoid-mediated neuronal functions.”  -PubMed) When activated by THC, the healthy cannabinoid receptors can do this- “The activation of cannabinoid CB2 receptors stimulates in situ and in vitro beta-amyloid removal by human macrophages” and  “Activation of the CB(2) receptor system reverses amyloid-induced memory deficiency” (both at PubMed).    

    (FYI- THC activates the anti-inflammatory CB2 receptors;  in situ means on the site, in this case in a brain; in vitro means in a test tube;  macrophages are your “clean up crew” cells.)

    The combination of Omega 3 and cannabis may prevent Alzheimer's. I am weeks shy of being 70, and I read medical studies as a hobby. I have NO fear of Alzheimer's!

    • IG Stark IG Stark Canada says:

      The problem with high strains of THC (as in Sativa, for e.g.) is that they produce cognitive deficits and hallucinations and I have witnessed this first hand.  I can always tell when someone is high because they are slow and do not reason well.  So that cannot be good.

      However, the Indica plant may be good and Charlotte's Web has hemp oil from a whole plant cannabis that is naturally low in THC and high in CBD.  Yes, THC has shown promise but I believe that CBD has shown more promise and without cognitive compromise.

  3. Cynthia Martin Cynthia Martin United States says:

    Thank goodness I've ignored all the previous articles that have said Omega 3 capsules are a waste of money.

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
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