A recent study has found that fish oil supplements may not be effective in preventing dementia. The study, conducted by a research team at the USC School of Medicine, involved 365 older adults at elevated risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Participants were given either a daily supplement containing 2,000 mg of DHA or a placebo for 24 months.
The results showed that while high-dose DHA supplements did reach the brain, they did not improve memory or cognitive function, nor did they slow brain atrophy. The researchers suggest that an enzyme that disrupts DHA metabolism in the brain or chronic inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk factors may have blunted the effects of supplementation.
The study's findings suggest that focusing on well-established lifestyle measures, such as regular physical activity, adequate high-quality sleep, and a balanced diet, may still be the most effective way to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
