Omega 3 fatty acids like those found in fish or walnuts are critical to brain function. Scientists had hoped that omega 3 fats would be able to reverse or at least delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. But an 18-month study funded by the NIH showed no difference between omega 3 fats and placebo in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
In a different study, however, older people with slight memory problems got measurable benefit from taking DHA, an omega 3 fat. Memory tests conducted by computer showed that septuagenarians taking DHA improved nearly twice as much as those on placebo. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the study results should be confirmed by further trials before older people can be advised to take DHA supplements.
[International Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease, Vienna, Austria July 12, 2009]
