Mind & Mood

On the brain: The brainy omega-3 fails an Alzheimer's test

Numerous studies have identified a correlation between higher consumption of the omega-3 fats contained in fish and fish oil and a lower risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Dig a little deeper, and one of the two main omega-3s, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), seems to deserve most of the credit. Donepezil (Aricept) and other cholinesterase inhibitors are the most common treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. But, at best, they somewhat slow down the pace at which Alzheimer's gets worse, and the side effects are a problem. With the lack of effective treatment and DHA's promise — and low cost — a study to see if the omega-3 might benefit people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease would seem worth a try.

The Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), a consortium of Alzheimer's disease clinics with funding from the federal government to run clinical trials, conducted a high-quality (randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled) trial of DHA. About 400 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's were assigned to take either 2 grams of DHA derived from algae or a placebo pill every day for 18 months. (Algae-derived DHA is becoming popular because of concerns about overfishing and contamination with pollutants and the growing number of people adhering to vegan diets.) The study participants took a battery of tests to measure attention, language, and other cognitive abilities at the beginning and end of the study.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.