Low levels of omega-3 fatty acid may contribute to Alzheimer’s

October, 2010

A finding that the livers of Alzheimer’s patients have an impaired ability to make the omega-3 fatty acid DHA may suggest a new approach.

Low levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, have been found in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease, but the reason has not been known. A new study has found that lower levels of DHA in the liver (where most brain DHA is manufactured) were correlated with greater cognitive problems in the Alzheimer’s patients. Moreover, comparison of postmortem livers from Alzheimer’s patients and controls found reduced expression of a protein that converts a precursor acid into DHA, meaning the liver was less able to make DHA from food.

The findings may explain why clinical trials in which Alzheimer's patients are given omega-3 fatty acids have had mixed results. They also suggest that it might be possible to identify at-risk persons using specific blood tests, and perhaps delay the development of Alzheimer’s with a chemically enhanced form of DHA.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-09/uoc--ldl090810.php

Reference:

[1885] Astarita, G., Jung K-M., Berchtold N. C., Nguyen V. Q., Gillen D. L., Head E., et al.
(2010). Deficient Liver Biosynthesis of Docosahexaenoic Acid Correlates with Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease.
PLoS ONE. 5(9), e12538 - e12538.

seniors

Fish oils

Alzheimers

Related News

Impaired recovery from inflammation linked to Alzheimer's

Analyses of cerebrospinal fluid from 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 20 patients with mild cognitive impairment, and 21 control subjects, plus brain tis

Tau protein travels with neuronal signals

Tau protein stabilizes structures that transport supplies from the center of the cell to the extremities, but sometimes some tau is not bound to these microtubules and instead clumps together into

Why sleep is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease

A study involving genetically engineered fruit flies adds to our understanding of why sleep and bioclock disruptions are common in those with Alzheimer's disease.

How inflammation and hypoxia damage the brain

A new study shows that a combination of inflammation and hypoxia activates microglia in a way that persistently weakens the connection between

APP found to also be involved in neurogenesis

A new function has been found for the

Prion proteins might help reduce amyloid-beta plaques

New research helps explain the role of amyloid-beta plaques in the development of Alzheimer's, by finding that the

More on how amyloid-beta gets out of control

Creating amyloid-beta requires the convergence of a protein called

Gardening as good as exercise in cutting heart attack risk

A Swedish study of some 4,000 60-year-olds has found that regular “non-exercise” physical activity such as gardening or DIY significantly reduced risk of heart attack or stroke, with those who were most active on a daily basis having a 27% lower risk of a heart attack or stroke and a 30% reduced

Benefits of exercise for older adults depends on genes

A year-long study involving 424 sedentary, mobility-limited seniors aged 70-89, has found that variants in a specific gene (the ACE I/D gene) affect seniors’ ability to benefit from exercise.

Importance of muscle for older adults

Data from the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III, involving 3,659 individuals (men aged 55+; women 65+), has found that the more muscle mass older adults have, the less likely they are to die prematurely.

Pages