Omega-3 found to help combat Alzheimer’s symptoms

In the past, a number of epidemiological studies have shown that eating fatty fish provides a certain degree of protection against Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases; an effect often thought attributable to the omega-3 fatty acids that it contains. Some studies also suggest that omega-3 can have a therapeutic effect on certain psychiatric conditions.

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University have now examined whether omega-3 supplementation has any effect on the psychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Almost 200 patients with mild Alzheimer’s took part in the one-year study, during which time one group received omega-3, and one group a placebo.

Although there was no observable difference in therapeutic effect between the patients receiving the omega-3 and the placebo group, when the researchers took into account which of the patients carried the susceptibility gene APOE 4 and which did not, an appreciable difference appeared.

Carriers of the gene who had received active treatment responded positively to the omega-3 as regards agitation symptoms, while non-bearers of the gene showed an improvement in depressive symptoms.

In a press release regarding the findings, the researchers warned that no general therapeutic recommendations can be made from the results until larger studies on individuals with more pronounced neuropsychiatric symptoms are conducted.