Dr. Susan Sharma, a cardiology specialist affiliated with NYU Winthrop Hospital, argues that taking omega-3 supplements does not seem to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Insidermedicine In Depth - November 2, 2010 - Omega 3 Fatty Acid and Alzheimer's
Nov 3, 2010
Taking supplements of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA does not seem to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, according to research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Here is some information about omega-3 fatty acids:
• They are essential fatty acids, meaning the body needs them to function properly but can't produce them on its own
• They play important roles in brain functioning as well as in normal growth and development
• They can be found in high amounts in several kinds of fish as well as in some plants and nut oils
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University and the Portland VA Medical Center randomly assigned over 400 individuals with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease to take 2 g a day of DHA or an identical-looking placebo. Sixty percent of the participants received DHA supplements and 40% received a placebo.
No difference was seen between the two groups with respect to changes in the scores they received on standard rating scales that assess symptom progression in Alzheimer disease. Among a subset of patients who underwent brain imaging, there no difference was seen in the rate of brain atrophy -- or shrinkage— that occurred in the two groups of participants.
Today's research suggests that while there does not appear to be a benefit to taking DHA supplements to slow the progression of Alzheimer disease, it remains an open question whether a diet high in these healthy fats can help prevent the disease from occurring in the first place.
