A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition showed higher levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids in the blood are associated with better cognitive performance over time in middle-aged adults at a high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers measured omega-3 fatty acid levels in red blood cells—a more stable and long-term indicator of dietary intake and metabolism than plasma measurements. Participants underwent a comprehensive series of cognitive tests at baseline and after three years including memory, attention, executive function, language and visual processing.
The research, conducted within the Alzheimer and Families (ALFA) Study, followed 323 cognitively unimpaired participants. It examined concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Researchers found participants with higher DHA levels showed slower cognitive decline and higher ALA levels were linked to stronger visual processing abilities.
According to researchers, the statistical models controlled for several variable including age, sex, education, physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence and APOE-ε4 status. After accounting for these factors, DHA emerged as a significant predictor of better cognitive health.
“Our findings reinforce the idea that diet-linked omega-3 fatty acids are important for long-term brain health,” said Dr. Aleix Sala-Vila, research scientist at the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI), principal investigator at Hospital del Mar Research Institute and senior researcher in the ALFA project. “While DHA from fish has long been associated with brain structure and function, our results also point to potential benefits from ALA, a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, which may be particularly relevant for people with low fish consumption.”
Alzheimer’s disease remains the leading cause of dementia worldwide with limited options for treatment once symptoms appear. Identifying modifiable lifestyle and nutritional factors that can delay or prevent disease onset has become a major global health priority, researchers said.
“These results suggest that maintaining adequate omega-3 fatty acid levels through diet or supplementation may help preserve cognitive function before the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Longer and larger studies, including randomized clinical trials, are needed to confirm causality,” said Dr. Bill Harris, founder of OmegaQuant and president of FARI.
For more information, visit www.omegaquant.com.
