Fish oil fails to prevent Alzheimer’s, new study finds

A new study has revealed that fish oil supplements are not effective in protecting against Alzheimer’s disease challenging the common belief that omega-3 supplements help improve memory and reduce the risk of dementia.

According to the study published in the medical journal eBioMedicine, fish oil supplements do not provide the expected benefits for brain health. The research was conducted by scientists at the University of California and included 365 participants aged between 55 and 80 years who were considered at relatively high risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

During the study, participants were divided into two groups. One group received a high dose of an omega-3 supplement containing DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily for two years while the other group was given a placebo.

Initial results showed that DHA, an important omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil successfully reached the brain. After six months, the level of DHA in the fluid surrounding the brain increased by about 17%. However, despite this increase, researchers observed no significant improvement in memory, cognitive performance or overall brain health.

Similarly, brain scans did not show any reduction in the rate of brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The lead researcher stated that the findings do not support the idea that fish oil supplements are an effective strategy for preventing Alzheimer’s.

Experts say that instead of relying on supplements to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, it is more important to adopt a healthy lifestyle including regular physical activity, quality sleep and a balanced diet.

While fish oil may have other health benefits, current research suggests it should not be considered a reliable method for preventing Alzheimer’s disease.