Which omega-3 is recommended for Alzheimer's?
Dear Doctors, I am writing to request information regarding the administration of omega-3 in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, I would like to bring your attention to the case of my dear aunt, who is 80 years old and affected by Alzheimer’s. Her condition has been developing for a few years, and it is gradually affecting both her short- and long-term memory. I would like to know if administering omega-3 can potentially improve or slow the progression of the disease; whether, in the case of Alzheimer's, it is more advisable to use DHA or EPA omega-3, or both; the appropriate dosages in Alzheimer’s cases; and if it is necessary to combine omega-3 therapy with vitamin E, for example, at a dosage of 400 mg. NB: I would also appreciate a treatment plan to follow or something similar. Thank you very much for your kind availability. I eagerly await your response, Monica.
Dear Monica,
Any dietary supplementation, especially when a pharmacological therapy is in place, should be undertaken in consultation with the treating physician or specialist. Therefore, I can only suggest supplements that may be useful adjuncts to the medications your aunt is currently taking. Of the two omega-3 fatty acids that exert positive effects on our body, EPA and DHA, the latter plays the most important role in the Central Nervous System.
DHA is a component of neuron membranes and is essential for their proper growth and function. In combination with EPA, it can also exert an anti-inflammatory action, which is particularly important in diseases that have inflammation at their core, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Several studies have shown that many nervous system diseases are associated with altered omega-3 concentrations; in Alzheimer’s patients, DHA levels are found to be lower than in healthy individuals.
Dietary supplementation with omega-3s, and particularly with DHA, can restore such concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and exert an anti-inflammatory effect that, according to some researchers, is associated with the reduction of a signaling molecule of the disease, called hyperphosphorylated Tau protein.
Some interesting studies on the subject have also been discussed in our blog:
- Alzheimer: substances derived from Omega-3 help prevent disease progression
- Omega-3 levels are correlated with the size of the brain region involved in cognitive flexibility
Based on what is written, I recommend considering dietary supplementation for your aunt with one of the following products: VitaDHA liquid: a high-dose DHA supplement, in single-dose vials containing 6 grams of deodorized fish oil with a lemon flavor.
Each vial provides 1450 milligrams of DHA and 330 milligrams of EPA. The oil can be taken as it is or mixed with foods or cold or lukewarm drinks, such as yogurt, smoothies, or fruit juices. She can take one vial every other day for the first few weeks, then one vial daily. The minimum supplementation period should be at least two months, which can be extended, always following the doctor’s advice. VitaDHA 1000: a dietary supplement in softgel capsules containing 1 gram of fish oil, each providing 470 milligrams of DHA and 100 milligrams of EPA. This product offers an alternative to the liquid format.
The suggested dose is 2 capsules a day for the first few weeks, then 3 capsules a day. Even with VitaDHA 1000, at least 2 months of supplementation is recommended before extending it, following the doctor’s guidelines. Omega-3 supplementation is generally well tolerated, with the only contraindication being concurrent use of anticoagulant medications. In this combination, an increased anticoagulant effect could be observed.
I recommend that you check with your treating physician about your aunt’s current pharmacological therapy before starting any high-dose omega-3 supplementation.
I remain available for further information.
Best regards,
Rosaria Ramondino, Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist
