DHA improves subjective memory in adults
Omega 3 DHA: helps subjective memory in adults
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) taken alone or in combination with EPA (eicosapentaeoic acid) reduces memory loss in adults with subjective memory disorder, a very common condition during aging.
This is according to a new study, published in the journal PlosOne, conducted at DSM Nutritional Products in Columbia, USA, in an attempt to more clearly define the role that Omega 3 supplementation may play in specific aspects of memory.
Omega-3 and memory
Episodic memory is about personally experienced events occurring at a specific place and time. Episodic memory generally declines over the course of life consistent with normal, healthy aging. Among cognitive deficits, subjective memory disorder is common in the population being one of the earliest cognitive changes observed in adults. DHA is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and is an integral part of the membrane phospholipids of neurons, and it has important functions for both brain structure and function. Previous research shows a 'positive association between DHA in plasma and memory. Clinical studies that have evaluated this interaction are difficult to summarize because of the myriad of tests used and because of the diversity in subjects considered of age and cognitive status.
Meta-analysis result: EPA improves episodic memory
The new U.S. study is a systematic literature search that includes clinical and observational studies that have examined the relationship between Omega-3 and memory in healthy adults. The included studies varied in sample size and demographics (age, sex, education) as well as in the duration of supplementation. The data analyzed were collected from 15 publications conducted on adults 18 years and older. The results obtained showed that episodic memory was significantly improved in those who had taken DHA, alone or combination with EPA, regardless of the subjects' initial cognitive status. In addition, data analysis allowed observation of the role of DHA and EPA dosage in relation to memory, demonstrating improved performance with at least 1 gram per day of DHA + EPA.
Future studies on other types of memory
According to the researchers who carried out the study, the strength and uniqueness of this of meta-analysis is that it demonstrates improvements with DHA and EPA through a series of individual tests to measure episodic memory. The results demonstrate a significant impact of Omega-3s on age-associated memory loss, which is a major health concern for adults. Further studies will be conducted to examine the role EPA may play in other types of memory in elderly subjects.
Source: Yurko-Mauro K, Alexander DD, Van Elswyk, ME (2015 )" Docosahexaenoic Acid and Adult Memory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." PLoS ONE 10(3): e0120391. doi:10.1371/journal. pone.0120391
