Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognition throughout the lifespan: A review

Abstract

Age groups central to the lifespan require further investigation into the effects that n-3 PUFA might have on their cognitive skills. The research examining the extremities of the lifespan provides evidence that n-3 PUFA are essential for neurodevelopment and cognitive maintenance in older adulthood. Future research must develop more consistent methodologies, as variable dosages, supplementation periods, and cognitive measures across different studies have led to disparate results, making the evidence less comparable and difficult to synthesize.

Cognitive enhancement by omega-3 fatty acids from child-hood to old age: Findings from animal and clinical studies

“…One aspect of brain function that has been extensively studied in relation to n-3 PUFA is cognition. Although supported by somewhat conflicting clinical evidence, it is thought that deficiency of n-3 PUFA has detrimental effects on cognitive brain development, while conversely, the dietary supplementation of n-3 PUFA may be beneficial (Karr et al, 2011). Furthermore, evidence from clinical and animal studies suggests that n-3 PUFA may have therapeutic value for cognitive impairment associated with normal aging and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) Karr et al, 2011).…”

Enriched endogenous omega-3 fatty acids in mice protect against global ischemia injury

“…For example, fat-1 mice exhibited increased hippocampal neurogenesis evidenced by elevated density of dendritic spines of CA1 neurons, leading to a better spatial learning performance in the Morris Water Maze compared with control the last several decades, the ratio of -6/ -3 PUFAs in the diet has changed dramatically from 1-2:1 previously to 15-20:1 presently, which leads to an increase in the intake of -6 PUFAs and a concomitant decrease in the intake of -3 PUFAs ( 30 ). The defi ciency in -3 PUFAs is considered to be a risk factor for human mental and neurological disorders ( 13,31,32 ). Exogenous application of -3 PUFAs slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice ( 33,34 ), prevented Huntington's disease ( 35 ), showed therapeutic potential for spinal cord injury (36)(37)(38)(39), and improved neurological and histological outcomes in the focal cerebral ischemia model ( 5,(40)(41)(42).…”

Intakes of fish and polyunsaturated fatty acids and mild-to-severe cognitive impairment risks: a dose-response meta-analysis of 21 cohort studies

“…These mental, neurologic, and substance-use disorders constitute 13% of the global health burden and surpass both cardiovascular and cancer diseases (1). The benefits of PUFAs, especially of EPA and DHA, in preventing cognitive problems have been of public interest (2). In addition, n-3 PUFA-rich diets, such as the Mediterranean-style diet, may contribute to cognitive health (3,4).…”

“…In addition to the continuous emergence of new evidence, reasons for confounding reports may be ascribed to the use of data 1 Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant 31201307), the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (grant LY14C200008), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (grant 2015QNA7014). 2 The funders did not have a role in the study selection, quality assessment, data synthesis, or manuscript preparation. 3 Supplemental Methods 1-3, Supplemental Tables 1-4, and Supplemental Figures 1-20 are available from the "Online Supporting Material" link in the online posting of the article and from the same link in the online table of contents at http://ajcn.nutrition.org.…”