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Omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive decline: A systematic review
Cognitive disorders, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and age-related cognitive decline (ARCD), are prevalent in the elderly population across the world. Dietary components like n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) are thought to enhance cognitive status and potentiate treatment against cognitive decline in the elderly, however, the evidence to the efficacy of n-3 LCPUFA in cognitive decline remains insufficient. In this systematic review by Moral & Fortique (2019), the authors examined the links between n-3 LCPUFA and cognitive decline in an elderly population to elucidate any potential enhancement of cognitive status using n-3 LCPUFA supplements, and whether these enhancements are affected by treatment duration, baseline cognitive status, dosage, or other variables. Through a PRISMA guidelines-compliant search of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs, Pubmed January 2010 – December 2017), researchers investigated the links between cognitive impairment and n-3 LCPUFA supplements (containing docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, or combinations). From a total of 14 RCTs, 10 demonstrated an improvement of at least one domain of cognition (working memory, executive function, verbal memory, short-term memory, or perceptual speed) with the use of n-3 LCPUFA. The authors thus state that their review demonstrates how n-3 LCPUFA supplements may improve cognitive function in the elderly, and recommend their potential use as preventative supplements or as therapeutic interventions in the elderly population suffering from cognitive decline. [NPID: Cognitive decline, omega-3, fatty acids, elderly, aging]
Year: 2019
