Cognitive impairment: you can fight it with omega-3s and vitamins

A drink containing 2 grams of omega-3 along with vitamins and plant substances, including resveratrol and vitamin D, appears to counter both immune and biochemical mild cognitive impairment (MCI), thereby also targeting several mechanisms typical of Alzheimer's Disease.

This is reported in a study published in The FASEB Journal, and conducted by Professor Milan Fiala and his collaborators at the University of California (USA).

Cognitive impairment may evolve into Alzheimer's disease

Mild cognitive impairment is a memory deficit, although it can manifest with other symptoms such as difficulty with concentration and language, and changes in mood and behavior. Although MCI does not always follow the same course, it often represents the onset of more complex diseases such as Alzheimer's, one of the most widespread and disabling forms of dementia. Alzheimer's disease affects nerve cells in different regions of the brain; in particular, the disease is closely associated with the 'accumulation of protein plaques, called amyloids, and neurofibrillary clusters .

Details of the pilot study

During this research, scientists involved 12 participants with MCI, 2 participants with pre-MCI, and 7 patients with established Alzheimer's disease. Each was given an omega-3 drink (2 grams of DHA and EPA), vitamins and antioxidant plant extracts for a period ranging from 4 to 17 months. The researchers observed that after treatment, the clearance of beta-amyloid plaques, which is an index of Alzheimer's disease regression, was significantly increased in subjects with pre-MCI and MCI, while in those with established Alzheimer's it was nonsignificantly increased. In addition, in patients with pre-MCI and MCI, the synthesis of resolvin RvD1, an anti-inflammatory molecule that appears to promote the elimination of amyloid plaques, was increased by 80% in macrophages. In subjects with pre-MCI and MCI, scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, a test for assessing cognitive impairment, did not appear to change significantly over time suggesting a stabilization of the disorder.

Omega and vitamin supplements could slow cognitive decline

Based on what they observed, the researchers hypothesized that omega-3, resveratrol and vitamin supplements may have helped stabilize the cognitive status of patients with MCI and pre-MCI , but more robust clinical trials will be needed to confirm the benefits. 

Source: Milan Fiala, Ramesh C. Halder, Bien Sagong, Olivia Ross, James Sayre, Verna Porter and Dale E. Bredesen. "ω-3 Supplementation increases amyloid-β phagocytosis and resolvin D1 in patients with minor cognitive impairment" ; March 24, 2015, doi:10.1096/fj.14-264218fj.14-264218