Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids linked to brain aging

April, 2012

A large study has found that older adults with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids had greater brain atrophy and more white matter damage.

A study involving 1,575 older adults (aged 58-76) has found that those with DHA levels in the bottom 25% had smaller brain volume (equivalent to about 2 years of aging) and greater amounts of white matter lesions. Those with levels of all omega-3 fatty acids in the bottom quarter also scored lower on tests of visual memory, executive function, and abstract thinking.

The finding adds to the evidence that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids reduce dementia risk.

For more about omega-3 oils and cognition

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-02/aaon-llo022112.php

Reference:

[2818] Tan, Z. S., Harris W. S., Beiser A. S., Au R., Himali J. J., Debette S., et al.
(2012). Red Blood Cell Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels and Markers of Accelerated Brain Aging.
Neurology. 78(9), 658 - 664.

Abstract: http://www.neurology.org/content/78/9/658

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