DHA improves subjective memory in adults
Omega-3 DHA: helps subjective memory in adults
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), taken alone or in combination with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), reduces memory loss in adults with subjective memory impairment, a very common condition during aging.
This is reported by a new study published in the journal PLoS ONE, conducted at DSM Nutritional Products in Columbia (USA), aiming to more clearly define the role that Omega-3 supplementation may play in specific aspects of memory.
Omega-3 and memory
Episodic memory relates to personally experienced events occurring in a specific place and time. Episodic memory generally declines over life consistent with normal and healthy aging. Among cognitive deficits, subjective memory impairment is common in the population as one of the earliest cognitive changes observed in adults. DHA is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and an integral part of neuronal membrane phospholipids, playing important roles for both brain structure and function. Previous research shows a positive association between plasma DHA and memory. Clinical studies evaluating this interaction are difficult to synthesize due to the myriad of tests used and diversity in subject age and cognitive status.
Meta-analysis result: EPA improves episodic memory
The new American study is a systematic literature review including clinical and observational studies examining the relationship between Omega-3 and memory in healthy adults. Included studies vary by sample size and demographics (age, sex, education) as well as duration of supplementation. Data were collected from 15 publications conducted on adults aged 18 and over. Results showed that episodic memory was significantly improved in those who took DHA, alone or combined with EPA, regardless of subjects’ initial cognitive status. Additionally, data analysis allowed observation of the role of DHA and EPA dosage in relation to memory, showing improved performance with at least 1 gram per day of DHA + EPA.
Future studies on other types of memory
According to the researchers, the strength and uniqueness of this meta-analysis is that it demonstrates improvements with DHA and EPA through a series of individual tests measuring episodic memory. The results show a significant impact of Omega-3 on age-related memory loss, which is a major health concern for adults. Further studies will be conducted to examine the role EPA may play in other types of memory in older subjects.
Source: Yurko-Mauro K, Alexander DD, Van Elswyk ME (2015) "Docosahexaenoic Acid and Adult Memory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." PLoS ONE 10(3): e0120391. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0120391
