Could This Prevent Your Memory From Slowing Down?

Memory, which is a main function of age, tends to decline as you get older, leaving you trying to remember names, faces, or places that you have been.

Recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved memory, cognition, and brain function.

However, there has been some recent speculation as to the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids and their role in improving memory and cognition.

There are some studies that show that omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, could be effective at improving memory as you get older.

However, a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Neurology, could show a link between lower DHA levels and the volume of brain matter and improvements in overall memory.

Let me explain…

DHA and Your Brain

As you get older, you may experience a lapse in memory at times.

In fact, for many people, getting older could impair memory, cognitive functioning, and abstract thinking.

Reduced memory could be a sign of more serious diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other related diseases that cause a decline in brain function and memory.

There are many reasons for this decline, age being one of them.

However, the authors of this study aimed to determine if there was a link between lower levels of DHA (which is plentiful in your brain) found in your red blood cells, and increased risk for impairments to cognitive function and increased dementia risk.

The researchers recruited 1,575 older adults (854 women) with an average age of 67, who were part of the Framingham Study and who were all free from dementia.

They assessed fatty-acid content (EPA and DHA levels) found in the participants' red blood cells.  They also assessed performance measures on cognitive tests and volumetric brain MRI’s to assess the volume of the participants' brains.

The researchers showed that people with the lowest levels of DHA found in the red blood cells had lower brain and white matter hyperintensity volumes compared to others who had moderate to high levels.

Also, they showed that people with lower levels of DHA and omega-3 fatty-acid levels had lower scores on visual memory, executive function, and abstract memory tests.

From their work, they concluded that lower red blood cell levels of DHA could be associated with smaller brain volumes and a “vascular” pattern of cognitive impairment in people without dementia.

Although this research is new, it still needs other research in order to validate their findings.  However, the results of this study could show that omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, could be a beneficial nutrient to have as you get older.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Your Health

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown by research to improve many different facets of human health.

In fact, they have been shown to improve cholesterol levels, reduce triglycerides, lower inflammation levels, and even aid in memory and cognitive functioning.

Now, according to the results of this study, the levels of DHA found in your red blood cells, could lead to improvements or a gradual decline in memory and brain volume as you age.

There are many different way to include omega-3 fatty acids into your daily routine.

By including fish or a daily omega-3 fatty acids supplement (Krill oil),  you could increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, which could improve many different aspects of health - especially your brain health.


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References:


Tan, ZS.  Haiirs, WS.  Beiser, AS.  Au, R.  Himali, JJ.  Debette, S.  Pikula, A.  DeCarlis, C.  Wolf, PA.  Vasan, RS.  Robins, SJ.  Seshadri, S.  Red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid levels and markers of accelerated brain aging.  Neurology.  2012. Vol. 78(9):pp. 658-664. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e318249f6a90