Timing a Key Factor in DHA’s Ability to Fight Alzheimer’s

LEXINGTON, Ky.—The benefits of supplemental omega-3s in treating Alzheimer’s disease may depend on the stage of the disease, dietary mediators and apolipoprotein E status, according to a review in Clinical Interventions in Aging (2010 Apr 7;5:45-61). Researchers from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, noted omega-3s are essential for brain growth and development, and help modulate neuronal function. More research is underscoring the particular importance of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the development of several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease; in particular, cross sectional and prospective cohort data suggest low dietary intake or low brain levels of DHA are connected to onset of dementia and accelerated cognitive decline. However, several clinical trials using supplemental DHA have not demonstrated efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s, which suggest the success of intervention may be dependent on other factors such as disease progression or other dietary factors.