Researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University have published a study which indicates that people who are genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from taking omega-3 fatty acids. Their study had 102 participants between the ages of 75 to 95. They were all deemed to be cognitively normal for their age, and were not shown to have the brain changes known as white matter lesions that are consistent with the beginnings of the neurological damage seen in Alzheimer’s disease. https://search.app/a5LpxA46Bg1FXH7W9
Among the study participants who took omega 3 fatty acids (contained in fish oil) over the three-year study period, it did not seem to make a difference for most of the subjects with regard to the onset of dementia. They did find however, that it did make for a significant improvement to the rate of damage which occurred in one sub-group of individuals- those carrying the APOE4 gene, which has been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821809#google_vignette
In this group of genetically predisposed people they saw significant reductions in the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
Neurologist researcher Gene Bowman,MD, of OHSU says , “The fact that neuronal integrity breakdown was slowed in people randomized to omega-3 treatment who are also at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease is remarkable, and warrants a larger clinical trial in more diverse populations in the future,”
And so, following up on previous research that has been done trying to find out about the effects of omega 3 fatty acids in the past, these new findings suggest that although fish oil supplements won’t prevent or slow the progression of dementia in the general population, they might benefit individuals who are genetically at risk. Neurologist Lynne Shinto,MD from OHSU says that with regard to the study participants overall, “Our findings showed that over three years, there was not a statistically significant difference between placebo and the group that took fish oil. I don’t think it would be harmful, but I wouldn’t say you need to take fish oil to prevent dementia.” However, with regard to those who carry the APOE4 gene these researchers recommend large clinical trials to be done to analyze the significance of taking fish oil for APOE4 carriers, tracking progression of dementia after taking omega-3 fatty acids supplements to try and reach a more definitive scientific consensus regarding the advisability of such supplementation, and the best dose and practices that could be initiated if indeed a benefit can be more conclusively shown.
“This is the first dementia prevention trial to use modern prevention tools, such as a blood test and brain scan, to identify not only people at high risk for dementia, but also those well-suited to receive a specific nutritional intervention,” says Dr Bowman. This research was published in JAMA Network Open.
Alzheimer’s is a complex disease which researchers have been studying for many years to try and understand it better. Every study on it hopefully gets us closer to better understanding this condition and may to answers as to how to prevent and treat it.
Past research had indicated that there are a variety of possible benefits from taking fish oil as a part of a daily diet. it may benefit mood, and brain health, and reducing the risk of developing brain lesions thought to be a visible marker of cognitive decline. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Food%20and%20Drug,3%20supplements%20are%20usually%20mild
OTHER STUDIES ON THE BENEFITS OF OMEGA 3s, FISH OIL
Presented on this website: https://drsobo.com/diabetic-neuropathy-treated-by-fish-oil-supplements/
Diabetic neuropathy is a painful condition from nerve damage which occurs in nearly half of diabetics. A research study from the VA Medical Center published in the Journal of Neurophysiology shows that fish oil supplements can restore the health of the damaged nerves in diabetic mice. Mark Yorek the study’s lead researcher says, “Diabetic neuropathy is a very costly and debilitating complication of diabetes. Fish oil is an attractive treatment approach because these supplements are considered very safe and could be easily translated into everyday care. Fish oil would be easy to take… and should have few side effects when combined with other medications.” https://drsobo.com/fish-fatty-acid-consumption-risk-hearing-loss-women/
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, fish and Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet are associated with a lower risk of hearing loss in women. Consumption of two or more servings of fish per week which contain the omega 3 fatty acid provided this benefit. Researcher Sharon Curhan explained, “Although a decline in hearing is often considered an inevitable aspect of aging, the identification of several potentially modifiable risk factors has provided new insight into possibilities for prevention or delay of acquired hearing loss.”
When dietary intake of fish was compared, women who ate two or more servings of fish per week had a 20 percent lower risk of hearing loss. “Consumption of any type of fish (tuna, dark fish, light fish, or shellfish) tended to be associated with lower risk,” according to Dr. Curhan. https://drsobo.com/fish-brain-food-research-shows/
For years fish has had the reputation of being good for your brain. There is accumulating evidence that this is so. According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine eating baked or broiled fish once a week is good for the brain. Research scientist James T. Becker said, “Our study shows that people who ate a diet that included baked or broiled, but not fried, fish have larger brain volumes in regions associated with memory and cognition.” https://drsobo.com/important-study-fish-oil-supplements-prevents-cognitive-decline-brain-atrophy-2/
A study from the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center at Rhode Island Hospital examined whether there is a preventive role for fish oil supplement use for declining cognitive function. The study was published in the journal of Alzheimer’s & Dementia with the title Association of fish oil supplement use with preservation of brain volume and cognitive function. Investigator Lori Daiello, PharmD, states”serial brain imaging conducted during this study showed that the participants with normal cognition who reported taking fish oil supplements demonstrated less brain shrinkage in key neurological areas, compared to those who did not use the supplements.” Study participants were assessed with neuropsychological testing and brain MRIs every 6 months. https://drsobo.com/health-benefits-plant-based-omega-3-fatty-acid/
For those who are allergic to seafood or other fish, or just don’t include them in their diets, there is evidence for similar health benefits of the plant sourced omega 3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA is found in flaxseed and its oil, vegetable oils,walnuts, macadamias and other nuts.Research published in the journal Advances in Nutrition compared the evidence for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease with the Omega 3s DHA and EPA found in fish, and the evidence for the disease risk reduction for ALA the plant based Omega 3.
In reviewing all the known research on the subject, this review published in Advances in Nutrition, concluded that ALA is likely just as effective in preventing cardiovascular disease as EPA and DHA from fish. Dr Kris-Etherton says, “Our understanding of the cardiovascular disease benefits of ALA has advanced markedly during the past decade. Based on the current evidence, ALA decreases cardiovascular disease risk.”. Some other dietary sources of ALA, EPA and DHA are fortified foods such as bread, eggs, peanut butter, and orange juice.
Studying women in over two dozen countries, one study concluded that women whose breast milk had a greater content of the omega-3 fatty acid called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) had children whose academic test scores were better compared to those women whose breast milk had lower levels. https://drsobo.com/omega-3-fatty-acids-reduce-risk-osteoparthritis-treats-symptoms-2/
According to studies in mice, feeding them omega 3 fatty acids slowed the progression of arthritis. Lead author Dr. John Tarlton, said that omega-3 in fish oil could “substantially and significantly” reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis. “Furthermore, there was strong evidence that omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps prevent disease, but also slows its progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis.” These studies need to be followed by more human study. Food sources of omega 3s are fish, flax seeds and oil, vegetable oils, nuts, grape leaves and capers. https://drsobo.com/omega-3s-and-antioxidants-benefit-cognitive-impairment-study-says/
Fish oil and antioxidant supplementation might be beneficial for people in the early stages of dementia. A study published in the July 2015 issue of the scientific journal of the American Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology shows that people with mild dementia showed signs of improvement given Omega 3 fatty acids. Although just 12 patients were studied, it showed a reduction in their neurologic inflammation and that the abnormal protein beta amyloid was better removed in those given supplementation.
