Are Essential Fatty Acids Effective in Relieving the Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?
Essential fatty acids play important roles in health and the treatment of many illnesses. Because Alzheimer's is a common cause of dementia in older adults, many studies are being conducted to test the effectiveness of fatty acids on this dreaded disease in an effort relieve the symptoms. Can essential fatty acids help Alzheimer's disease symptoms? Find out more.
The effects of essential fatty acids on alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's is caused by nerve cell degeneration and the forming of an amyloid plaque in the brain. The symptoms of Alzheimer's are memory loss and confusion both of which get progressively worse over time.
At the Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, located in the Netherlands, scientists concluded fatty fish and marine omega-3 PUFA consumption is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's. An intake of cholesterol and saturated fat increased risk of impaired cognitive function. The test was conducted over a 5-year time span and includes 1,613 subjects ranging in age from 45 to 70.
It appears from Alzheimer's research studies that DHA, the major omega-3 fatty acid in the brain, helps protect against the disease and that lower DHA levels is associated with an increased risk.
In the famous Framingham Heart Study, it was discovered that men and women in the highest quartile of DHA levels had a 47% decreased risk of developing any form of dementia and a 39% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's.
Just how much omega-3 did the subjects in these studies average to reach these results? These results were achieved by consuming an average of three servings of fish weekly or 0.18g/day of DHA. As you can see, neither of these amounts is difficult to achieve and if fish doesn't appeal to you, try essential fatty acid supplements.
Studies like these are encouraging in the Alzheimer's treatment war, but be aware that essential fatty acids are not a cure. These studies and many more indicate that optimal levels of omega-3 can help relieve Alzheimer's symptoms. Before you consider taking an omega-3 supplement for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, discuss this information with your doctor to avoid any complications.
