Association between cognitive function and supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs and other nutrients in ≥ 75 years old patients: A randomized multicenter study

Abstract

A few studies have assessed the association between omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and cognitive impairment (CI) in very old adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multinutrient supplementation rich in n-3 PUFA on the cognitive function in an institutionalized ≥75-year-old population without CI or with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A multicenter placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial was conducted between 2012 and 2013. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after one year using 4 neuropsychological tests. Nutritional status was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Interaction between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and nutritional status were analyzed using linear regression models. A total of 99 participants were randomized to receive placebo or pills rich in n-3 PUFA. After 1-year follow-up, both groups decreased their MMSE score (-1.18, SD:0. 53 and -0.82, SD:0. 63, p = 0.67 for the control and the intervention group respectively). The memory subscale of the MMSE showed an improvement (+0.26, SD:0.18) in the intervention group against a worsening in the control group (-0.11, SD: 0.14; p = 0.09 for differences between groups). Patients at intervention group with normal nutritional status (MNA ≥24) showed an improvement in the MMSE (+1.03, p = 0.025 for differences between 1-y and baseline measurements) against a worsening in the group with malnutrition (MNA<24) (-0.4, p = 0.886 for differences between 1-y and baseline; p of interaction p = 0.05). Supplementation with n-3 PUFA did not show an improvement in the global cognitive function in institutionalized elderly people without CI or with MCI. They only suggest an apparent improvement in memory loss if previously they were well nourished.

The Effect of Healthy Diet on Cognitive Performance Among Healthy Seniors – A Mini Review

“…The study protocols, e.g., ( Mumme et al, 2019 ), multi-domain intervention studies, e.g., ( Lehtisalo et al, 2017 ; Rosenberg et al, 2018 ), the studies with different age range of seniors, e.g., ( Kita et al, 2018 ), the studies with cognitively impaired seniors, e.g., ( Baleztena et al, 2018 ; Mazza et al, 2018 ), and cross-over randomized control study ( Dodd et al, 2019 ), the review studies, e.g., ( Vauzour et al, 2017 ; Chen et al, 2019 ; Cremonini et al, 2019 ; Soldevila-Domenech et al, 2019 ).…”

DHA Manuscript

“…All the included RCT studies adhered to their aims and objectives of evaluating the benefits of DHA (and additional supplements) in ARCD, as described in their respective clinical trial registries. Majority of the studies concluded DHA supplementation (standalone or in combination) have no cognitive benefits in the elderly subjects [29,[31][32][33]25,26].…”

“…We explored, if higher doses of DHA supplementation altered the results by performing subgroup of studies, those supplemented ≥ 750 DHA / day [30,31,[24][25][26]. The results of subgroup analysis were similar to the primary results indicating no significant improvement with DHA supplementation.…”

Dietary interventions in mild cognitive impairment and dementia

“…Two distinct multi-nutrient formulations have failed to yield positive cognitive effects: one trial enrolled subjects that were normal or diagnosed with MCI 26 and another one patients with AD and normal baseline vitamin B12 and folate levels. 27 Other relatively large studies examined the effect of a patented formulation called Fortasyn Connect.…”