Cognitive decline: it can be fought with omega-3 and vitamins

A beverage containing 2 grams of omega 3 along with vitamins and plant substances, including resveratrol and vitamin D, seems to counteract both immunological and biochemical aspects of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), thus targeting various mechanisms typical of Alzheimer’s Disease.

This is reported by a study published in the journal The FASEB Journal, conducted by Professor Milan Fiala and his collaborators from the University of California (USA).

Cognitive impairment can progress into Alzheimer’s disease

Mild cognitive impairment is a memory deficit, although it can manifest with other symptoms such as difficulties in concentration and language, as well as changes in mood and behavior. Although MCI does not always follow the same course, it often represents the onset of more complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s, one of the most common and disabling forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease affects nerve cells in various regions of the brain; in particular, the disease is closely associated with the accumulation of protein plaques called amyloids, and neurofibrillary tangles.

Details of the pilot study

During this research, scientists involved 12 participants with MCI, 2 participants with pre-MCI, and 7 patients with confirmed Alzheimer’s disease. Each was given a drink based on omega-3 (2 grams of DHA and EPA), vitamins, and antioxidant plant extracts for a period ranging from 4 to 17 months. Researchers observed that after treatment, the elimination of beta-amyloid plaques, which represents an index of regression of Alzheimer’s disease, significantly increased in subjects with pre-MCI and MCI, while in those with confirmed Alzheimer’s it increased non-significantly. Moreover, in patients with pre-MCI and MCI, the synthesis of resolvin RvD1, an anti-inflammatory molecule that seems to promote the elimination of amyloid plaques, increased by 80% in macrophages. In subjects with pre-MCI and MCI, scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, a test for assessing cognitive decline, did not change significantly over time, suggesting stabilization of the disorder.

Omega and vitamin supplements could slow cognitive decline

Based on these observations, researchers hypothesized that supplements based on omega-3, resveratrol, and vitamins may have contributed to stabilizing the cognitive state of patients with MCI and pre-MCI, but to confirm the benefits, more robust clinical studies will be necessary. 

Source: Milan Fiala, Ramesh C. Halder, Bien Sagong, Olivia Ross, James Sayre, Verna Porter and Dale E. Bredesen. “ω-3 Supplementation increases amyloid-β phagocytosis and resolvin D1 in patients with minor cognitive impairment”; March 24, 2015, doi:10.1096/fj.14-264218fj.14-264218