Alzheimer’s: Fish oil supplements may help reduce the risk in some people

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These include:

• Age
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet and/or overweight
• It takes practice
• Family history and genetics.

There are several genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, the best known of which is the APOE gene.

One variant of this, APOEε4, increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, especially if they inherit APOEε4 from both of their parents.

The study enrolled 102 people aged 75 and older who had relatively low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Participants were generally healthy, without dementia (measured by a mini mental state test and MRI scans at first), but he had a certain degree of white lesions (normal changes in brain nerve cells in older people).

The researchers gave half of the participants 1.65g of omega-3 in 3 soft gel capsules daily. They gave the control group 3 softgels containing only soybean oil, which were similar in taste, appearance, smell and texture to the omega-3 capsules.

Neither the researchers nor the participants know who is receiving which treatment.

At follow-up visits throughout the 3-year trial, researchers measured the development of white matter lesions in all participants with an MRI scan, and assessed cognitive function.

All participants tolerated the treatment well, with no adverse effects caused by the treatment.

In the entire group, the researchers found no significant difference in outcome between those on omega-3 treatment and those on placebo. However, for those with the APOEε4 gene, there was a significant difference in white matter development between the groups.

People with the APOEε4 allele in the omega-3 group had more nerve cell damage than those with the allele in the placebo group.

Allder explained how fish oil can have this effect:

“Carriers of the APOEε4 gene have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and may have a different metabolic or inflammatory response. [Omega-3] PUFAs compared to non-carriers. This type is associated with increased brain inflammation and oxidative stress, ie [Omega-3] PUFAs are known to reduce ”

“The unique genetic and biochemical environment in APOEε4 carriers may make them more responsive to the neuroprotective effects of [Omega-3] PUFAs, therefore, lead to a noticeable reduction in neurodegeneration. ”
—Steve Allder, MD

The study authors do not recommend the use of saturated fish oil for all adults, but suggest that it may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in those with the APOEε4 allele. However, they emphasize that this was a small study, and that more clinical trials are needed to confirm their findings.

The study’s co-senior author, Lynne Shinto, ND, MPH, professor of neurology, OHSU School of Medicine, said in a news release:

“Our research showed that at three years, there was no statistically significant difference between the placebo and the group that took fish oil.”

“I don’t think it would be dangerous, but I wouldn’t say you need to take fish oil to prevent dementia,” he advised.

Both Allder and Molly Rapozo, RDN, a registered dietitian and senior lecturer in nutrition and health at the Pacific Neuroscience Center in Santa Monica, CA, said. MNT that fish oil is generally safe, but people should only take it under medical advice.

“Contraindications are always a concern and I encourage consumers to speak with their medical team before adding supplements. Although generally safe, there are age- and dose-dependent side effects, especially for those with multiple sclerosis. 2 of the APOE4 gene,” Rapozo said. MNT.

He added that it is good to add omega 3 to your diet: “Meanwhile, increase your consumption of small cold water fish that are good sources of omega 3 fats,” he advised.

While acknowledging these are interesting findings, Allder and Rapozo stressed the need for more studies:

Allder advised that: “Further studies should include larger and more diverse sample sizes to confirm these findings and determine the generalizability of the results. Studies should also investigate the long-term effects of [Omega-3] PUFAs in cognitive function and brain health, as well as the optimal dosage and formulation of fish oil supplements. ”

Rapozo echoed these recommendations, and suggested changing omega 3 dosages to further evaluate their effects:

“Long-term and long-term controlled trials would be beneficial. I would also like to see an increase in dosage from the 1.65 grams provided in this study. 2-4 grams of EPA and DHA is considered a therapeutic dose to improve fatty acid and lower triglyceride levels.

“We have seen this dose show benefits in conditions related to chronic inflammation, such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. At 2 grams or more per day, we can see a significant effect,” he added.