A clinical trial at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has found that fish oil supplements may benefit a specific group of older adults with a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, explores the potential benefits of fish oil in improving brain function, particularly for those with memory issues.
The trial focused on older adults carrying the APOE4 gene, which is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
While the study did not find a statistically significant benefit for all older adults, it did show a reduction in nerve cell breakdown in the brains of those with the APOE4 gene who took fish oil supplements.
Lynne Shinto, N.D., M.P.H., a professor of neurology at OHSU and senior co-author of the study, pointed out that while fish oil might not prevent dementia for everyone, it could be beneficial for people with the APOE4 gene.
“Our findings showed that over three years, there was not a statistically significant difference between placebo and the group that took fish oil,” Shinto said. “I don’t think it would be harmful, but I wouldn’t say you need to take fish oil to prevent dementia.”
The study involved 102 participants aged 75 and older, all with low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in fish oil.
These participants underwent brain MRIs at the beginning and end of the three-year study to measure changes in white matter lesions. These lesions can restrict blood flow and nutrients to the brain, increasing the risk of dementia.
Participants were divided into two groups: one took omega-3-enriched fish oil supplements daily, while the other took a soybean-based placebo. Although there was a slight reduction in the progression of white matter lesions in both groups, the difference was not statistically significant.
However, for those carrying the APOE4 gene, the results were more promising. Researchers observed a significant reduction in the breakdown of brain cell integrity within one year of starting fish oil supplements, compared to the soybean oil group.
Gene Bowman, N.D., M.P.H., director of clinical trials and neurology instructor at the McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, highlighted the importance of this finding.
“This is the first dementia prevention trial to use modern prevention tools, such as a blood test and brain scan, to identify not only people at high risk for dementia but also those well-suited to receive a specific nutritional intervention,” Bowman said.
“The fact that neuronal integrity breakdown was slowed in people randomized to omega-3 treatment who are also at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease is remarkable, and warrants a larger clinical trial in more diverse populations in the future.”
In summary, while fish oil supplements may not significantly impact all older adults, they could be beneficial for those with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease. This study emphasizes the need for personalized approaches in dementia prevention and calls for further research in this area.
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Network Open.
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