Due to the high prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, and the lack of effective treatments, it is important to identify risk factors that can be changed to postpone or prevent the beginning of AD.
Omega-3, which is generally derived through dietary sources including fish and plants, enhances brain growth and cognition and lowers inflammation.
However, observational studies have shown conflicting results regarding the effectiveness of omega-3 supplements in preventing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.
Furthermore, randomized controlled studies (RCTs) have revealed that omega-3 fatty acids only offer a meager defense against AD and cognitive decline. Apolipoprotein E (APOE-4) and omega-3 interactions have also been studied, but conflicting results have been observed.
The current study looked into whether omega-3 fatty acids could ward off dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive decline.
Omega-3 consumption and serological biomarkers were compared with new-onset AD over a six-year period using longitudinal data from 1,135 non-demented AD Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) research participants, aged 55 to 90.
The researchers also conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published cohort studies to confirm the relationships between dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and biomarkers of dementia or cognitive decline.
To further evaluate the dose-response connections, meta-regression modeling was used to calculate relative risk (RR) values by correcting for factors such age, sex, education level, APOE 4 status, and cognitive state.
In-person interviews were held to gather information on the history of medical disorders, and individuals underwent neuropsychological and cognitive evaluation at study initiation and follow-up.
