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Diets Rich In Omega-3 ‘May Lower Alzheimer's Disease Risk'

The Huffington Post UK  |  By Posted: 3/05/2012 18:25 Updated: 3/05/2012 18:25

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Those who eat plenty of fish (and other foods containing high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids) could be lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study has suggested.

According to researchers from Columbia University Medical Centre in New York, the natural oily acid compound decreases blood levels of a protein called beta-amyloid, which is commonly linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists believe that when this protein forms, it clumps together in the brain, triggering the onset of the degenerative disease.

During the study, researchers studied 1,219 people over 65 who had no signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. The participants were questioned on their diet, lifestyle and had their blood tested for levels of beta-amyloid.

Scientists discovered that the harmful protein was lower in the blood systems of those who consumed the most amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

They also concluded that a daily dose could reduce a person's chance of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 30%.

The study also looked at other nutrients, such as omega-6 fatty acids, mono-saturated fatty acids and vitamin E, C, B12 and D – however none of these had the same effect.

Scroll down to discover what lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent your chance of Alzheimer's disease...

Lead researcher Dr Nikolaos Scarmeas from the study, said in a statement, according to Fox News: "While it's not easy to measure the level of beta-amyloid deposits in the brain in this type of study, it is relatively easy to measure the levels of beta-amyloid in the blood, which, to a certain degree, relates to the level in the brain."

However, a leading Alzheimer’s charity is urging for more research into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at the charity Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "While this study provides interesting clues that omega-3 fatty acids in diet may be linked to amyloid levels in blood, it doesn't show whether this directly translates to less toxic amyloid in the brain and a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.

“So far, research into omega-3 supplements for prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's in people has not shown conclusive benefits.”

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Omega-3 fatty acids are mostly found in oily fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel. Smaller amounts can also be found in nuts, some vegetables including Brussels sprouts, kale and spinach, and vegetable oils.

In the UK, 820,000 people are currently living with dementia.

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  • Lifestyle Changes To Help Prevent Dementia

  • Drink Decaffeinated Coffee

    A study at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/02/01/decaffeinated-coffee-preserves-memory-diabetes_n_1246240.html" target="_hplink">decaffeinated coffee improves the brain's energy metabolism - linked to cognitive decline</a> - in those with Type 2 diabetes. "This is the first evidence showing the potential benefits of decaffeinated coffee preparations for both preventing and treating cognitive decline caused by type 2 diabetes, ageing, and/ or neurodegenerative disorders," said lead researcher, Dr Giulio Maria Pasinett.

  • Play Brain-Teasing Games

    Everyday <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/01/puzzles-and-exercise-help-beat-dementia-symptoms_n_1122502.html" target="_hplink">games, puzzles and tasks were able to postpone decline in cognitive function and the ability to carry out everyday tasks, in dementia patients, for at least a year</a>, according to research from the University of Erlangen in Germany, published in the journals BMC Medicine.

  • Eat Less

    <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/12/20/eat-less-remember-more-and-other-memory-boosters_n_1160584.html" target="_hplink">Eating fewer calories could help boost memory and cognitive function</a>, according to a study at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome. Researchers hope to mimic the same effect with a drug in the future, bringing hope to Alzheimer's sufferers as well as those suffering from injury-related memory loss.

  • Eat Fish

    Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre and School of Medicine found that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/11/30/eating-fish-protects-against-alzheimers_n_1120156.html" target="_hplink">people who ate baked or grilled fish regularly reduced their risk of developing Alzheimer's</a>. Reseracher Cyrus Raji said: "The results showed that people who consumed baked or broiled (grilled) fish at least one time per week had better preservation of grey matter volume on MRI in brain areas at risk for Alzheimer's disease."

  • Play The Wii Fit

    <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2012/01/17/why-a-wii-workout-could-be-better-than-the-gym-for-over-50s/" target="_hplink">Working out using virtual games such as the Wii Fit could slow cognitive decline in the over 50s</a>, researchers from Union College in the US found. Participants aged between 58 and 99 were given a 3D exercise game to play. Compared to the control group who were asked to use a regular exercise bike, the 'cybercycle' group had a 23% decrease in advancement of mild cognitive impairment and showed improved 'executive function'.

  • Do The Seven-Step Plan

    A study in The Lancet Neurology suggest that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2011/07/19/new-study-shows-seven-way_n_901934.html" target="_hplink">3m cases of Alzheimer's across the world could be prevented in seven simple ways</a>. The report recommends quitting smoking, increasing physical activity, controlling your blood pressure and diabetes risk factors as well as managing depression and obesity to help combat the disease.

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Those who eat plenty of fish (and other foods containing high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids) could be lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study has suggested. According to resear...
Those who eat plenty of fish (and other foods containing high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids) could be lowering their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a recent study has suggested. According to resear...
 
 
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jafooly
2 Fans
02:05 PM on 05/04/2012
Yeah eat plenty of fish and get mercury poisoning
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Martin Sadofski
0 Fans
11:46 AM on 05/27/2012
get the V-pure brand of omega 3 its is not made from fish! It's made from natural algae and is good for veggies too! I reckon its the best on the market for that reason..
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Glitterball
2 Fans
12:23 PM on 05/04/2012
If fish is the primary source of omega 3 which the study claims can prevent Alzheimers, then vegetarians must have an increased risk of Alzheimers. I used to have an almost photographic memory but now my memory is shocking. I suppose it could just be the natural effects of ageing, but I have also been vegetarian for the past 25 years, makes me wonder now if lack of fish has had a negative effect on my memory.
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rlcsoundeng
13 Fans
11:02 AM on 05/04/2012
Many people love fish and are fully aware of its health giving properties but most cant afford it, many people feel that being short of money has a shame attached to it, here is a few things that would help.
We are an Island, surrounded by water, so, stop others over fishing our waters, raise the quotas for our own fishermen, lower the price of fish, most of all stop putting fish out for sale with metric weights assigned to them, this means very little to most over 50's, display the price each piece of fish on the stall not how much it is per kilometricgargan, eliminating the need to always have to ask how much that bit is or that bit.
More fish would sell, and more would be eaten.
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mrjohnbrazil
42 Fans
12:33 PM on 05/04/2012
You are right about our fish quotas. Another problem is that the fishing industry takes no part in the raising of their stock. Fish grow themselves and are there just for the taking. Add to this the fact that the oceans are merely convenient receptacles for all our sewage, rubbish and toxic pollution and in just a few decades there will be no fish at all. But whales will be OK. Not only do they breathe air but the Japanese gather wales every year for "scientific purposes". No doubt soon, when they have eaten enough of them (sorry I meant STUDIED enough of them) their research programme will ensure the survival of these magnificent mammals.
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EOKA
13 Fans
02:40 PM on 05/04/2012
Excellent well written, our own government has allowed our fishing fleets to become devastated. Fishing Unionist agitators also helped.
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ozzielouth
36 Fans
10:57 AM on 05/04/2012
Too many carrots are bad for you, garlic aids the immune system, fish beats dementia, drink wine, dont drink wine! I agree that exercise and a balanced diet will prolong your life but if you get knocked or have a sudden heart attack whats it all been in aid of? We spend so much time worrying about how to live life before we know it is gone. I cling to the hope of an afterlife so that I can eat all the cheese & chocolate I can, drink the strongest coffee & copious amounts of sex on tap! I try my best down here, but at least up there it cant kill me!
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ozzielouth
36 Fans
10:43 AM on 05/04/2012
Too many carrots are bad for you, garlic aids the immune system, fish beats dementia; the other day the new superfood was avocado and some form of nut combined with your food to stop weight gain. I agree that regular exercise and a balanced diet will prolong your life and thats great but if you get knocked down or have a sudden heart attack what use has it been? Life is so bloody short and all we do is worry about living it, and before we know it - its gone. I cling to the vain hope of an afterlife where I can live on cheese and chocolate, coffee and copious amounts of sex on tap; mainly because I do as much as I can down here but up there it won't kill me!
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turkishdelight
34 Fans
10:01 AM on 05/04/2012
This is nothing new. Have been taking vast quantities of fish and omega 3, also 6 and 9 for ages. Yes 6 and 9 is important too !
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Jamsey
4 Fans
08:43 AM on 05/04/2012
Can stand fish. I would rather be a tree hugging vegan
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mrjohnbrazil
42 Fans
11:12 AM on 05/04/2012
I am surprised that your post has not been edited out. They seem to be removing negative statements.Good PR for the Honourable Company of Fishmongers? (Let's see how this one fares).
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melboy48
6 Fans
02:40 PM on 05/04/2012
all very well hugging trees but do they feed you ?
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Nicolo Macchiavelli
35 Fans
08:16 AM on 05/04/2012
Mediterranean diets have been known to be healthy for thousands of years, they consists of a large variety of foods that are beneficial in general. Good quality extra vergin olive oil and a fair amount of fish accompanied by a variety of vegetables either raw or cooked ( not pulped as they do In the UK) should contribute to longevity. Scientists are redescovering what my ancestors have known since time immemorial, and let us not not forget a daily glass of good red wine, which contains lots of minerals.
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metusmetu
Once more into the fray, into the last fight...
417 Fans
10:34 PM on 05/03/2012
'Tis why they call FISH,........"BRAIN FOOD". It's good for you.
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