Omega-3 again linked to Alzheimers protection

Omega-3 again linked to Alzheimers protection

Another study showing Omega 3 DHA and EPA fatty acids could help protect against dementia and Altzhiemer's disease.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, with 174 patients with Alzheimers is yet another positive result for the fatty acids in relation to cognitive function. Last year the same researchers reported omega- may slow mental decline in people with very mild Alzheimer's disease (Archives of Neurology, Vol. 63, pp. 1402-1408).

The new study, led by Yvonne Freund-Levi from Sweden's Karolinska Institutet, divided the participants to receive omega-3 supplements (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 1.7 g and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 0.6 g) or placebo for six months. After this initial six month period, all participants received the omega-3 supplements for six further months.

The genotype of the participants was also measured to identify their apolipoprotein genes.

Cognitive performance declines naturally with age, but genetics does play a part in the complex progression of Alzheimers. Indeed, in 1993 scientists reported that people with a gene that codes for the blood lipoprotein, apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease at an earlier age than people with apoE2 or apoE3.

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Comments

Amanda said…
Good to know, as it runs in my family. Likewise, prostate cancer: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070621183125.htm