A clinical study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University has indicated that older adults with a genetic marker for Alzheimer’s disease might gain from taking fish oil supplements. Amidst broader claims that such supplements enhance brain function for those with memory issues, this study did not find a universal benefit for all older participants. Specifically, it observed a reduced degradation of nerve cells in the brain for individuals carrying the Alzheimer ‘s-related APOE4 gene.
The principal researcher from OHSU, Lynne Shinto, emphasized the need for further research. She commented that while fish oil could benefit APOE4 carriers, its advantages could be clearer-cut for the broader population of older adults. “Over a period of three years, our data did not reveal a significant difference between the placebo group and those taking fish oil,” stated Professor Shinto. “Though not harmful, it’s not essential to use fish oil as a preventative measure against dementia.” This underscores the need for more comprehensive studies in the future.
The research involved 102 participants aged 75 or above, all of whom had relatively low omega-3 fatty acid levels in their blood at the outset. These individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor changes in their brain’s white matter lesions, which can obstruct nutrient flow and heighten dementia risk, at the beginning and end of the study. Although these participants had noticeable white matter lesions, they were otherwise healthy without dementia.
Half of the study’s participants were administered daily supplements of omega-3-rich fish oil, while the remainder received a placebo derived from soybean oil. The MRIs conducted at the start and end of the three years showed a minor decrease in lesion progression, yet the difference was not statistically significant across the two groups.
However, for participants with the APOE4 gene, a notable decrease in the deterioration of brain cell integrity was recorded just one year into taking the fish oil, in contrast to those who received the soybean placebo.
Gene Bowman, N.D., M.P.H., director of clinical trials and a lecturer in neurology at the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, underscored the potential of the findings. “This study is pioneering in dementia prevention research by employing modern tools like blood tests and brain scans to not only pinpoint individuals at high dementia risk but also to identify those who might benefit most from specific nutritional interventions. The observed slowdown in neuronal integrity breakdown among those at high Alzheimer’s risk and treated with omega-3 is compelling. This study paves the way for a larger, more diverse clinical trial in the future.”
More information: Lynne H. Shinto et al, ω-3 PUFA for Secondary Prevention of White Matter Lesions and Neuronal Integrity Breakdown in Older Adults, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.26872
Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by Oregon Health & Science University
