Many studies have demonstrated that DHA plays an important role in brain development. Decreased level of plasma DHA is associated with cognitive decline in healthy elderly people and in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study was conducted to assess the potential benefits of DHA supplementation on improving cognitive functions in individuals with age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery, CANTAB
A total of 485 male or female subjects aged ≥55 years with a subjective memory complaint and with Mini-Mental State Examination >26 and a Logical Memory (Wechsler Memory Scale III) baseline score ≥1
standard deviation below younger adults were enrolled.
900 mg/d DHA, provided as (3) soft-gelatin capsules, each containing 300 mg DHA from algal triglyceride oil.
Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated significantly fewer PAL 6 pattern errors with DHA vs placebo at 24 weeks (difference score, -1.63 ± 0.76 [-3.1, -0.14, 95% CI], P=0.03).
Immediate and delayed Verbal Recognition Memory scores were improved on receiving DHA supplementation.
Patients receiving DHA experienced increased plasma DHA levels, correlated with improved PAL scores (P<.02).
DHA was well tolerated with no reported treatment-related serious adverse events.
24 week of supplementation with 900 mg/d DHA resulted in improved learning and memory function in age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) patients
DHA is a beneficial supplement that supports cognitive health with aging.
Yurko-Mauro K, McCarthy D, Rom D, et al. Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline. Alzheimers Dement. 2010s; 6(6):456-64
