People with higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have a larger brain volume, which is equivalent to preserving up to two years of brain health, University of South Dakota researchers found.
There are many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. A new study conducted by the University of South Dakota researchers revealed that people with higher levels of this fatty acid also have larger brain volume in old age, which is equal to preserving brain health for an additional two years.
"These higher levels of fatty acids can be achieved through diet and the use of supplements, and the results suggest that the effect on brain volume is the equivalent of delaying the normal loss of brain cells that comes with aging by one to two years," said study author, James V. Pottala, in a press statement.
Researchers tested the levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA+DHA in red blood cells of 1,111 women. Eight years later, when all participants were an average of 78 years old, these levels were tested again. The results showed that participants with twice as high levels of fatty acids (7.5 vs. 3.4 percent) had a 0.7 percent larger brain volume.
Researchers also noted that the participants with higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids had a 2.7 percent larger volume in the hippocampus area of the brain, a region associated with memory capabilities.
Fish oil has always been considered the biggest source of these fatty acids. However, the smell is repelling to some people, who are forced to look for other alternatives. An Organic Valley funded study conducted last December revealed that organic milk contains greater amount of Omega 3 fatty acids helpful in preventing cardio-vascular diseases.
Alzheimer's disease incidents have gone up in recent years, according to official estimates. More than five million Americans are living with the condition as of 2014. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is characterized by neurodegeneration - a harrowing process whereby nerve connections in the brain are gradually broken down. This typically results in a range of debilitating cognitive impairments, including confusion, disorientation, loss of motor skills and memory loss. These symptoms generally bring with them a number of lifestyle changes as well as an increased risk of injuries.
Scientific authorities have predicted age-related dementia will more than triple by 2050. This means that the current 44 million dementia patients will go up to 135 million in less than four decades.
"It's a global epidemic and it is only getting worse," Marc Wortmann of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) said, speaking to BBC News. "If we look into the future the numbers of elderly people will rise dramatically. We must tackle dementia now, for those currently living with the condition across the world and for those millions who will develop dementia in the future. The G8 is our once-in-a-generation chance to conquer this condition and we must see meaningful action after the talking is over."
Previous studies have linked alcohol consumption, even in moderate levels, to an increased risk of developing dementia. In a study conducted by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, researchers found that this risk can be warded off by consuming omega 3 fish oil. The study found that brain cells of rats that had been exposed to high contents of alcohol could be protected against inflammation and cell death when given fish oil.
Like there are two sides to every study, the label given to fish oil as "brain food" was questioned by University of Iowa researchers. According to them, omega-3 fatty acids may not necessarily benefit thinking skills.
"There has been a lot of interest in omega-3s as a way to prevent or delay cognitive decline, but unfortunately our study did not find a protective effect in older women. In addition, most randomized trials of omega-3 supplements have not found an effect," said author Eric Ammann, a doctoral student in the UI College of Public Health Department of Epidemiology, in a statement. "However, we do not recommend that people change their diet based on these results. Researchers continue to study the relationship between omega-3s and the health of the heart, blood vessels, and brain. We know that fish and nuts can be healthy alternatives to red meat and full-fat dairy products, which are high in saturated fats."
Click here to find out more about the additional benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.
The current study was published in the online journal Neurology and supported by The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
