Potential Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health in Older Adults: Study

A recent JAMA Network Open study assesses the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in reducing white matter lesion (WML) accumulation and neuronal integrity degeneration in older adults.

The accumulation of cerebral white matter lesions (WML) is linked to an elevated risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms include the diminished regenerative capacity of oligodendrocytes, reduced cerebral blood flow (cerebral hypoperfusion), breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and activation of endothelial cells.

The current placebo-controlled, quadruple-blinded, and randomised clinical trial`s treatment stratification was was carried out using the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE*E4) carrier status, and all results were compared against a placebo group.

The results showed that the group receiving omega-3 treatment showed less annual progression of crude white matter lesions (WML) compared to the placebo group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Similar results were observed for neuronal integrity, where the omega-3 group experienced a lesser decline in diffusion tensor imaging fractional anisotropy (DTI-FA), though this was also not statistically significant. Additionally, there were no differences between the groups in the average annual changes in ventricular volume or total brain volume.

Therefore, the study concluded that a omega-3 treatment was well-tolerated and safe yet ineffective in attaining a significant reduction in WML progression and neuronal integrity breakdown in individuals at an increased risk of dementia.

References: Shinto, L. H., Murchison, C. F., Sillbert, L. C., et al. (2024) ω-3 PUFA for Secondary Prevention of White Matter Lesions and Neuronal Integrity Breakdown in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open 7(8). doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.26872