Alzhimer's disease: consuming Omega 3 EPA reduces its risk

Food-derived Omega 3eicospaentaenoic acid (EPA) may improve memory and learning processes, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. According to a group of Canadian and Thai researchers,ethyl-EPA, a particular form of this molecule, slows the decrease in acetylcholine levels. This action makes it possible to counteract the onset of this condition. Research has also shown that this Omega-3 also allows for a reduction in the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), another indicator of the presence of Alzheimer's disease. According to the authors of the research, this is the first evidence of the existence of a correlation between decreased acetylcholine release and memory disorders. The study that led to this discovery was published in the Journal of Neurochemistry.

The action of EPA at the brain level.

To test the action of EPA, researchers added ethyl-EPA or palm oil, a product that does not contain Omega-3, to the diet of laboratory rats. Animals that had consumed palm oil developed symptoms typical of memory disorders. These consisted of decreased release of acetylcholine, a molecule important for nerve impulse transmission, and decreased NGF expression. In contrast, rats that had taken EPA showed an improvement in memory. This effect was associated in an attenuation of decreased acetylcholine release and NGF expression.

Alzheimer's disease: which Omega-3?

The results of this research confirm the role played by Omega-3s in protecting the health of the nervous system. Previous studies had shown a link between these fatty acids and cognitive function. However, the researchers had pointed out differences in the action performed by the 2 main food-derived Omega-3s, EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). In particular, those suffering from the cognitive decline typically associated with advancing age may benefit from taking DHA, which allows for improved memory. This cognitive decline may precede the development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's. However, DHA may not help those already suffering from full-blown Alzheimer's. According to the authors of the research, published in the Journal of Neurochemistry, results from EPA administration confirm that this Omega-3 can also improve memory and that this action takes place through modulation of the activities carried out by acetylcholine and NGF. In this way, Omega-3 may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.  

Source 

1. Taepavarapruk P, Song C, "Reductions of acetylcholine release and nerve growth factor expression are correlated with memory impairment induced by interleukin-1beta administrations: effects of omega-3 fatty acid EPA treatment," J Neurochem. 2010 Feb;112(4):1054-64. Epub 2009 Dec 3