A recent study reveals unexpected findings regarding omega-3 supplements taken by many older adults to support brain and heart health
These supplements are among the most popular among older adults, as they are believed to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, in addition to their well-known role in supporting cardiovascular health. However, the study, published in the journal Alzheimer's Prevention, suggests a possible link between their use and accelerated cognitive decline in some users
These findings come despite the fact that scientific evidence on the benefits of omega-3 remains mixed; while animal studies and observational research have pointed to potential benefits for the brain with age, controlled clinical trials in humans have not yet demonstrated a clear effect in slowing cognitive decline
In an attempt to understand the picture more accurately, researchers from China analyzed long-term data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), relying on high-resolution brain images and five years of follow-up.
The study included 273 people using omega-3 supplements, compared to 546 people who did not take them, with the two groups matched for age, gender, genetic factors and diagnosis.
The results showed that Omega-3 users experienced a faster decline in cognitive abilities across key tests such as MMSE, ADAS-Cog13 and CDR-SB, compared to non-users.
MMSE : A quick test that measures memory, attention, language, and orientation (such as knowing time and place).
ADAS-Cog13 : A more accurate and detailed test used in Alzheimer's research to measure memory, language, and problem-solving.
CDR-SB : A scale that determines the severity of dementia by assessing memory, ability to be independent in daily life, thinking, and social interaction.
This decline was not linked to genetic factors, including the APOE ε4 gene, which is known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that the cause is not due to genes alone.
When examining brain scans, the researchers found no evidence of increased amyloid plaque buildup or tau protein tangles, the traditional hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Instead, they observed a decrease in brain glucose uptake (which the team suggests may be linked to omega-3 supplementation), an indicator associated with efficient neuronal function.
Researchers believe that this decrease may affect communication between brain cells, even if the brain structure itself remains largely unchanged.
The research team cautions against rushing to interpret the results, stressing that the study is observational and does not prove a direct causal relationship, but it opens the door to re-evaluating the widespread use of omega-3 supplements in supporting cognitive functions in the elderly.
