Could Omega-3 Protect Against Alzheimer’s?

Summary: SPECT imaging study finds increased blood flow to brain areas associated with memory and learning in people with higher omega 3 levels.

Source: IOS Press.

Neuroimaging shows increased blood flow in regions of the brain associated with memory and learning for people with higher omega-3 levels, according to a new report in the Journal of 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. [caption id="attachment_40970" align="aligncenter" width="750"]Image shows a graph. This is an example of the Omega-3 Index, the method utilized in this study for measuring omega-3 fatty acid levels in red blood cell membranes in the study. NeuroscienceNews.com image is credited to William S. Harris, PHD.[/caption]

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.”

About this neuroscience research article

Source: George Perry, Ph.D. – IOS Press
Image Source: NeuroscienceNews.com image is credited to William S. Harris, PHD.
Original Research: The study will appear in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cite This NeuroscienceNews.com Article

[cbtabs][cbtab title=”MLA”]IOS Press “Could Omega-3 Protect Against Alzheimer’s? .” NeuroscienceNews. NeuroscienceNews, 19 May 2017.
<https://neurosciencenews.com/omega-3-alzheimers-6722 />.[/cbtab][cbtab title=”APA”]IOS Press (2017, May 19). Could Omega-3 Protect Against Alzheimer’s? . NeuroscienceNew. Retrieved May 19, 2017 from https://neurosciencenews.com/omega-3-alzheimers-6722 /[/cbtab][cbtab title=”Chicago”]IOS Press “Could Omega-3 Protect Against Alzheimer’s? .” https://neurosciencenews.com/omega-3-alzheimers-6722 / (accessed May 19, 2017).[/cbtab][/cbtabs]

Feel free to share this Neuroscience News.
Join our Newsletter
I agree to have my personal information transferred to AWeber for Neuroscience Newsletter ( more information )
Sign up to receive our recent neuroscience headlines and summaries sent to your email once a day, totally free.
We hate spam and only use your email to contact you about newsletters. You can cancel your subscription any time.