Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseed and walnuts seem to have heart healthy effects. Researchers have also been studying the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the brain. A new study in the journal Neurology suggests that people who get more omega–3 fats from their diet may reduce their risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The investigators followed over 1,200 subjects who were at least 65 years old and did not have cognitive impairment. Those whose self-reported diets included more omega-3 fats had lower levels of beta-amyloid protein in their bloodstreams. Beta-amyloid accumulations in the brain are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
[Neurology, Online May 2, 2012]
