According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease. By the year 2050, it is estimated that 12.7 million Americans aged 65 and older will have Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, adults of all ages must take steps to reduce their risk of this dreaded condition.
Gene Altering Study
A three-year study published in JAMA Network Open raised the eyebrows of the all too often nutrition-ignorant medical community. The study was designed to answer the question of whether omega-3 fatty acid treatment prevents the reduction of brain white matter and neuron cells among older adults. The main benefit of supplementing 975 mg of EPA and 675 mg of DHA (total of 1650 mg combined EPA and DHA) was a reduction in neuronal breakdown for those seniors who were carriers of the (APOE*E4), a gene associated with Alzheimer's risk. As a comparison, our Fish Oil Plus Wellness contains almost twice the amount of omega 3 per two capsules compared to this study dose.
Omega 3’s For Brain Protection
Most people do not know if they are carriers of (APOE*E4), and testing should be discussed with your provider as this evaluation has pros and cons. Research continues to demonstrate that gene activity can be changed favorably through dietary changes and supplementation in what is known as epigenetics. The authors of the study discuss how omega-3 fatty acids may alter brain cell signaling and metabolism so that there is less inflammation. Along these lines, a large 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients revealed that those with higher blood levels of omega 3 had a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
References
Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. (n.d.). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures#:~:text=Nearly%207%20million%20Americans%20have,older%20(10.9%25)%20has%20Alzheimer’s.
Sala-Vila A, Tintle N, Westra J, Harris WS. Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Risk for Incident Dementia in the UK Biobank Study: A Closer Look. Nutrients. 2023; 15(23):4896. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15234896
Shinto LH, Murchison CF, Silbert LC, et al. ω-3 PUFA for Secondary Prevention of White Matter Lesions and Neuronal Integrity Breakdown in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2426872. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.26872
