A new study appearing in the March 23 online issue of the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that diets high in omega-3 fats -- which are found in cold water fish such as mackerel, sardines, and salmon -- may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
From the Health Central article:
Cole's team studied older mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer's disease. They fed one group food fortified with docosahexenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 fatty acid found in several types of cold water fish. They fed the other group a diet low in DHA.
Diets low in DHA have been linked to impaired mental functioning, and DHA levels are lower in the blood and brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, Cole said.
After three to five months, which translates to several years in humans, the group of mice fed the DHA-rich diet had 70 percent less buildup of amyloid protein in the brain. This sticky protein is what makes up the plaques in the brain that are the hallmark of Alzheimer's.
"The protein is markedly reduced even when we start the diet late in life," Cole said.
The American Heart Association recommends two servings of cold water fish a week. However, there are so many benefits to omega-3 fats -- increased insulin sensitivity, increased joint function in those with arthritis, better heart health, increased memory and learning functions, and the list goes on -- that they should be a daily part of everyone's diet. I suggest as much as six grams a day of fish oil taken as capsules or eaten as fish.
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