Neuroimaging Highlights Role of Omega 3 in Preventing Cognitive Decline

22 May 2017 --- Research involving neuroimaging has shown that people with higher omega 3 levels have increased blood flow in regions of the brain associated with memory and learning, according to a report in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. With the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) expected to triple in the coming decades, interest in dietary approaches for the prevention of cognitive decline has increased. In particular, the omega 3 fatty acids have shown anti-amyloid, anti-tau and anti-inflammatory actions in the brains of animals. 

“This study is a major advance in demonstrating the value of nutritional intervention for brain health by using the latest brain imaging,” says George Perry, Ph.D., Dean and Professor of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is used to measure blood perfusion in the brain, with images acquired from subjects performing various cognitive tasks showing higher blood flow in specific brain regions. When these images were compared to the Omega-3 Index, a measure of the blood concentration of two omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), researchers uncovered a statistically significant correlation between higher blood flow and higher Omega-3 Index. In addition, they evaluated the neuropsychological functions of the subjects and found that omega 3 levels also correlated with various psychological feelings using a standardized test battery (WebNeuro).

Omega 3 is already included in supplements targeting brain health, companies such as Catalent recently introducing its new Omega-3 EasyBurst Chewables which deliver omega 3 (320mg DHA) to support brain, eye and heart health. 

This research was conducted on 166 participants from a psychiatric referral clinic for which Omega-3 Index results were available. The participants were categorized into two groups of higher EPA+DHA concentrations (>50th percentile) and lower concentrations (<50th percentile). Quantitative brain SPECT was conducted on 128 regions of their brains and each participant completed computerized testing of their neurocognitive status.

Results indicated statistically significant relationships between the Omega-3 index, regional perfusion on brain SPECT in areas involved with memory and neurocognitive testing. The study showed positive relationships between omega 3 EPA+DHA status, brain perfusion and cognition. 

“This is very important research because it shows a correlation between lower omega 3 fatty acid levels and reduced brain blood flow to regions important for learning, memory, depression and dementia,” adds lead author Daniel G. Amen, MD, of the Amen Clinics Inc.

“Although we have considerable evidence that omega-3 levels are associated with better cardiovascular health, the role of the ‘fish oil’ fatty acids in mental health and brain physiology is just beginning to be explored. This study opens the door to the possibility that relatively simple dietary changes could favorably impact cognitive function,” adds co-author William S. Harris, Ph.D., University of South Dakota School of Medicine. Vermillion, SD.