journal articles
THE RELATIONSHIP OF OMEGA 3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS IN RED BLOOD CELL MEMBRANES WITH COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND BRAIN STRUCTURE: A REVIEW FOCUSSED ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
C. Hooper, P. De Souto Barreto, M. Pahor, M. Weiner, B. Vellas, ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
J Prev Alz Dis 2018;5(1):78-84
Significant research attention has focussed on the identification of nutraceutical agents for the prevention of cognitive decline as a natural means of cognitive preservation in the elderly. There is some evidence for a reduction of brain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in normal aging and in Alzheimer’s disease. n-3 PUFAs exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic properties as well as being able to reduce tau phosphorylation. Many observational studies have demonstrated a link between n-3 PUFAs and cognitive aging, and some, but not all, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a benefit of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognition, particularly in those subjects with mild cognitive impairment. The identification of a biomarker that reflects n-3 PUFA intake over time and consequent tissue levels is required. In this narrative review we discuss the evidence associating red blood cell membrane n-3 PUFAs with cognitive function and structural brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
CITATION:
C. Hooper ; P. De Souto Barreto ; M. Pahor ; M. Weiner ; B. Vellas (2017): The Relationship of Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cell Membranes with Cognitive Function and Brain Structure: A Review Focussed on Alzheimer’s Disease. The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (JPAD). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jpad.2017.19