In a new study from Harvard Medical School, researchers found two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may help improve brain function in older adults who have a type of heart disease known to put people at risk for cognitive decline.
They found that DHA and EPA, given in a combined supplement at prescription levels, improved cognitive function in older adults with coronary artery disease, or CAD.
It is a common type of heart disease that occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries and hinders proper blood flow. Studies have shown people with CAD have a 45% increased risk for cognitive decline.
The largest improvements in brain function were seen when higher levels of both types of omega-3 fatty acids were present in the bloodstream.
When analyzed individually, DHA levels were a better predictor for cognitive improvement than EPA, suggesting the presence of one type of omega-3 fatty acid was more important than the other.
In the study, the team examined 291 adults with stable CAD. They averaged 63 years old, and 83% were men. None showed problems with cognition at the beginning of the study.
Half were given 3.36 grams of EPA and DHA combined, and half were not. All participants received cognitive function tests at baseline, one year after treatment began and at the end of 30 months.
The tests measured verbal fluency, language and memory; visual-motor coordination; and processing speed. Blood tests at the end of the study measured DHA and EPA levels.
In the new analysis, the team looked at changes in the levels of EPA and DHA in the blood of participants who took the supplements, to see if higher levels of each of the fatty acids predicted the cognitive improvements.
While higher DHA aligned with better performance on cognitive tests, higher EPA levels did not seem to make a difference – except in people who had high levels of DHA to begin with.
The researchers suggest that someone who wants to use fish oil supplements to improve cognitive function should get a prescription for a supplement that combines the two.
They caution against buying over-the-counter supplements, which are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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The study was presented at the American Heart Association’s virtual Scientific Sessions. One author of the study is Dr. Francine Welty.
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