Can Omega-3 Acid slow down memory loss?

Nutrition experts all agree that fish diets are good for the heart, and some recent studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils will benefit the brain in reducing the risk of dementia. .

Researchers at Washington Medical University and Saint Louis have conducted clinical trials to assess whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) Omega-3 fatty acids have the effect of reducing dementia in the elderly. Experiment funded by National Aging (NIA)

Together with the University of California, San Diego and local impact, the experiment was conducted at 52 points across the United States, including 400 people 50 years of age and older who were somewhat amazed to be able to control the disease. Joseph Quinn, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology at Oregon University of Science and Health, James Galvin - Washington University Medical Doctor and George Grossberg - Saint Louis University Medical Doctor will run Department Research. the set.

Experts will first evaluate whether taking DHA for several months slows down the attenuation and function of the study participants. And during the 18 months of clinical trials, they will look at the evolution of the disease through the use of standardized tests of functional and cognitive changes.

Dr Galvin said more rigorous clinical trials will need to be done to confirm the evidence through various tests to study the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on dementia. He hopes to find out the role of DHA in slowing down this dangerous disease. In a recent report by the European Framingham Research Center, experts said that people with the highest levels of DHA had only one-half more dementia than those with lower DHA levels.

Dr. Grossberg added that practical research is significant in detecting the effects of DHA on the disease process.

The Martek Biological Collaboration of Columbia supports the experiment of a pure form of DHA made from algae without fish pollutants. Volunteers will take either 2 grams of DHA a day or an inactive pill, among 60% of DHA users, and 40% use placebo. Doctors and nurses at 52 study sites will monitor regularly, to ensure unbiased results, no experts but members will know who is taking DHA and who uses placebo.

Along with controlling the disease process through cognitive tests, researchers will assess whether DHA supplementation will have a positive impact on the biological and physical signs for Alzheimer's such as brain atrophy and protein in the blood and spinal fluid.

To learn more about how to join the study you can call (314) 286-2683 Washington Medical University or (314) 268-5385 Saint Louis Medical University.

Anh Phuong