Which omega-3 is recommended in Alzheimer's disease?

Dear Doctors, I am writing to receive information about the administration of omega-3 in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. In particular, I bring to your attention the case of a dear aunt of mine, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, age 80. Her condition has been manifesting itself for a few years and, little by little, is taking over her short- and long-term memory. I would like to know whether with omega 3 administration there is a possibility of improvement and/or slowing down the disease; whether in the case of Alzheimer's it is more advisable to use omega 3 DHA or EPA, or to use both; the dosages in cases of Alzheimer's; and whether it is necessary to juxtapose omega 3 therapy with vitamin E, for example in the dosage of 400 mg. NB: A treatment plan to follow or something close to it would be appreciated. Thank you very much for your kind availability. I anxiously await your reply Monica

Dear Monica, 

any dietary supplementation, especially in the presence of drug therapy, must be undertaken in consultation with the treating physician or specialist, so I can only suggest supplements that can be a useful adjunct to be combined with the medications your aunt is taking. Of the two omega-3 fatty acids that exert positive effects on our bodies, EPA and DHA, the latter plays the most important role at the level of the Central Nervous System. 

DHA is, in fact, a constituent of the membranes of neurons and is essential for their proper growth and function. In association with EPA it can also exert an anti-inflammatory action, which is particularly important in diseases that have inflammation as their basis, such as precisely Alzheimer's disease. Several studies have shown that many diseases of the Nervous System are associated with alterations in omega-3 concentrations; in the case of Alzheimer's patients, it has been observed that DHA levels are lower than in healthy subjects. 

Dietary supplementation with omega-3, particularly DHA, can restore these concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and exert an anti-inflammatory effect that, according to some researchers, is associated with the reduction of one of the signal molecules of the disease, called the hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. 

Some interesting studies on the subject have also been recounted in our blog:

• Alzheimer's disease: substances derived from omega-3s help prevent its progression
• Omega-3 levels correlate with the size of the brain region involved in cognitive flexibility
  
  

   

  
   

Based on what you have written, I recommend that you evaluate your aunt's dietary supplementation with one of the following products: VitaDHA liquid: a high-dose DHA supplement in single-dose 6-gram vials of deodorized, lemon-flavored fish oil.

Each vial provides 1450 milligrams of DHA and 330 milligrams of EPA. The oil can be taken as is or mixed with warm or cold foods or beverages, such as yogurt, smoothies, or juices. May take one vial every other day for the first few weeks, and then one vial daily. The minimum period of supplementation should be at least two months then extendable, in the same manner and always following the doctor's instructions. VitaDHA 1000: a dietary supplement in softgel capsules containing 1 gram of fish oil, each of which provides 470 milligrams of DHA and 100 milligrams of EPA. the product offers an alternative to the liquid format. 

The dose I suggest is 2 capsules per day for the first few weeks and then increase to 3 capsules per day. Even in the case of VITADHA 1000, it is preferable to supplement for at least 2 months and then extend it, according to your doctor's instructions. Dietary supplementation with omega-3 is generally well tolerated, the only contraindication being the simultaneous taking of anticoagulant drugs. An increased anticoagulant effect could be observed with this combination.

Therefore, I recommend that you check with your treating physician, the drug therapy followed by your aunt before starting supplementation with high dosages of omega-3. 

I remain available for further information. 

Sincerely, 

Rosaria Ramondino Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist