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If you know someone with Alzheimer’s, you are not alone. According to the CDC, approximately 5.8 million people are living with Alzheimer’s in the United States.
While doctors are still trying to fully understand Alzheimer’s and find possible treatments for the disease, research has shown it Adequate intake of omega-3 DHA can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s by a staggering 49%.
DHA — or docosahexaenoic acid — is an omega-3 fat known to help prevent health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, some cancers and depression, according to Healthline.
It could also be beneficial in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recently published study nutrient, in which researchers investigated a possible link between red blood cell docosahexaenoic acid (RBC DHA) and Alzheimer’s disease. Taking into account the health of participants who had an average age of under 65 and did not have dementia, the researchers found that those with higher levels of RBC-DHA had a 49% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
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“Interestingly, 15 years ago similar results were obtained by Schaefer et al. reported in the parents of the individuals who were the focus of this present investigation (ie, the original Framingham heart study cohort),” noted the most recent study’s senior author, William S. Harris, PhD, President of the Fatty Acid Research Institute, according to EurekAlert !. dr Harris explained that the first study found that those with higher levels of DHA were 47% less likely to develop dementia, adding: “Similar findings a generation apart in a similar genetic pool provide significant confirmation of this DHA -dementia relationship. “
When it comes to how omega-3 DHA helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Jeff Gladd, MD, Fullscript’s chief medical officer and physician of integrative medicine, tells Eat This, Not That!, “Omega- 3-Fatty acids are known DHA is believed to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by relieving neuroinflammation and reducing the formation and accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in the brain, two factors known to be a Disease plays a key role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s.”
“The results of this study are very promising and confirm what researchers have found so far in epidemiological and animal studies,” says Gladd.
Gladd added that people with Alzheimer’s in their families can lower their risk by eating more foods rich in DHA, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel.
“It’s also a strong argument for supplementing with quality fish oil on a daily basis, since DHA is one of the most important omega-3 fatty acids in these products,” he says.
For those looking to add an omega-3 supplement to their regular routine, Gladd notes that “choosing a quality fish oil supplement is essential,” and says he recommends his patients choose “a quality, third-party tested one.” A choice product that also delivers a significantly higher dose than most mainstream brands.”
If you stay away from fish products, says Dr. Gladd states that “vegans and vegetarians may benefit from a plant-based algal oil supplement containing DHA,” noting that “research has shown that plant-based algal oil supplements may increase DHA levels in individuals who do not consume fish or seafood.”
To learn more about how omega-3 can benefit you, be sure to read The #1 Best Omega-3 Supplement to Take, Says Dietitian.
Desiree O
Desirée O is a freelance writer covering lifestyle, food and nutrition news, among others. Continue reading