DHA, the principle omega-3 fatty acid in brain, plays a very important role in neural function. Reductions in plasma DHA levels has been associated with cognitive decline in elderly and Alzheimer’s patients.
This study was performed to assess the beneficial effects of DHA in improving cognitive function in healthy older adults with age-related cognitive decline (ARCD).
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical study.
485 subjects with ≥ 55 y of age with Mini-Mental State Examination >26 and a Logical Memory (Wechsler Memory Scale III) baseline score ≥ 1 standard were enrolled.
900 mg of DHA or placebo per day respectively.
24 weeks.
CANTAB Paired Associate Learning (PAL), a visuospatial learning and memory test
Significantly lower levels of fewer PAL six pattern errors were reported in the DHA group in comparison to the placebo (difference score, -1.63±0.76 [-3.1,-0.14, 95% CI], p<0.03) (see Fig. 1).
DHA significantly decreased the heart rate from baseline.
DHA supplement also improved immediate and delayed Verbal Recognition Memory scores (p<0.02).
DHA supplementation is significantly beneficial in improving learning and memory function in ARCD patients.
Mauro YK, McCarthy D, Hall EB, et al. Results of the MIDAS trial: Effects of docosahexaenoic acid on physiological and safety parameters in age-related cognitive decline. Alzheimers Dement. 2009; 5(4):P84.
