Higher levels of omega-3s in mid-life protect the brain from shrinkage and preserve cognitive function.
Having higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids in midlife is linked with greater brain volume and better cognitive function, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline later in life, new research finds. The fatty acids may also protect the brain against white matter hyperintensities – areas in the brain that often indicate cerebral small blood vessel disease, a risk factor for dementia.
Researchers measured the red blood cell concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) of more than 2,100 middle-aged adults and calculated each participant’s Omega-3 Index, which gauges long-term exposure to EPA + DHA in red blood cells. They measured the participants' brain volumes, reviewed their scores on cognitive tests, and determined whether they were carriers of APOE-4, a gene that influences dementia risk.
Enjoying this research? Get deeper insights like this delivered every other week.
Every other week our Premium Members receive deep dives like this alongside Rhonda's commentary and 8+ other hand-picked papers.
They found that the effects of omega-3s differed according to APOE-4 status. Whereas non-carriers of APOE-4 who had a higher Omega-3 Index or DHA concentrations had larger hippocampal volumes, APOE-4 carriers who had higher EPA concentrations tended to have better abstract reasoning. APOE-4 carriers also had fewer white matter hyperintensities if all their omega-3 measures were higher.
Omega-3 fatty acids play critical roles in human health and may reduce the risk of many aging-related diseases. The findings from this study suggest that having higher blood concentrations of omega-3s in mid-life preserves brain health and promotes aspects of cognitive function. Learn more about the Omega-3 Index in this clip featuring Dr. Bill Harris.