As we age, preserving cognitive function and preventing conditions like dementia become crucial. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open investigates the impact of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)—specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—on brain health in older adults.

Study Overview

Objective: The research aimed to evaluate whether omega-3 PUFA supplementation could slow the progression of cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) and the breakdown of neuronal integrity in older adults at risk for dementia with low omega-3 levels.

Design and Methods: This quadruple-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Oregon Health & Science University from May 2014 to September 2019. The study involved 102 participants aged 75 and older, all of whom had WMLs and suboptimal omega-3 levels. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 1.65 grams of omega-3 PUFA daily (975 mg EPA and 650 mg DHA) or a placebo (soybean oil) for three years.

Key Findings

• Overall Results: The study did not find a significant difference in the annual progression of WMLs between the omega-3 and placebo groups. The omega-3 group showed a minor reduction in WML accumulation (1.19 cm³ vs. 1.34 cm³), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .30). Additionally, the omega-3 group experienced a smaller annual decline in neuronal integrity (measured by diffusion tensor imaging of fractional anisotropy, or DTI-FA), though this difference was also not statistically significant (P = .07).

• APOE*E4 Carriers: Among participants carrying the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOEE4), omega-3 treatment resulted in a significant reduction in neuronal integrity breakdown compared to the placebo group (−0.0016 mm²/s vs. −0.0047 mm²/s; P = .04). This indicates that individuals with the APOE*E4 allele may benefit more from omega-3 PUFA treatment.

Conclusions

The study found that omega-3 PUFA supplementation did not significantly impact WML progression or neuronal integrity breakdown across the board, though it was safe and well-tolerated. Notably, the treatment showed potential benefits for those with the APOE*E4 allele, underscoring the need for personalized approaches to dementia prevention.

Implications

These results suggest that while omega-3 PUFAs may not universally prevent cognitive decline, they could offer benefits for certain genetic profiles. Future research with larger samples and more focused strategies will be essential to better understand the role of omega-3s in brain health and dementia prevention.

For a detailed look at the study and its findings, access the full article here.

For those interested in exploring how omega-3s can support cognitive health, consider checking your omega-3 levels with a test from us. Regular testing can help you manage and optimise your omega-3 intake to support overall brain health