A recent update on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in Alzheimer’s disease

Current research evidence points to the beneficial impacts of fish oils (such as Eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and Docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and omega-3 fatty acids on chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and more recently, Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Ajith (2018) discusses the recently available findings in the use of omega-3 fatty acids to treat AD in this review. DHA in particular plays an important role in brain and retinal development. These dietary components are metabolized in the lipooxygenase, cyclooxygenase, and hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to elicit their beneficial properties due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neurotrophic and antiapoptotic characteristics. In conclusion, DHA and EPA could enhance cognitive function in major depressive disorder and mild AD and help elevate nerve growth factor levels. [NPID: Alzheimer’s disease, Docosahexaenoic acid, dementia, Eicosapentaenoic acid, neurodegenerative diseases, polyunsaturated fatty acids]

Year: 2018

Reference: Ajith T. A. (2018). A Recent Update on the Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Alzheimer's Disease. Current clinical pharmacology, 13(4), 252–260. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574884713666180807145648

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