UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Research shows omega fatty acids may lower Alzheimer’s risk in women, with distinct lipid patterns highlighting the need for further trials.
As reported by The Independent, a new study suggests omega fatty acids from fish or supplements may help protect women against Alzheimer’s disease.
What did researchers reveal about omega fats in women with Alzheimer’s?
Research shows lipids in women with Alzheimer’s differ from those in healthy women.
A study on Alzheimer’s and Dementia found that blood levels of unsaturated fats were lower in women with Alzheimer’s. This included a noticeable reduction in omega fatty acids compared to healthy women.
The study was carried out by scientists at King’s College London and Queen Mary University. Researchers analysed blood samples from 841 people. This group included 306 with Alzheimer’s, 165 with mild cognitive impairment, and 370 healthy individuals.
The researchers highlighted that further studies are required to determine whether “shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory” of the disease.
The study observed higher levels of saturated, or “unhealthy,” lipids in women with Alzheimer’s compared to those without.
The researchers found no difference in these fats between men with or without Alzheimer’s, highlighting why women are diagnosed more often.
Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley’s views on Alzheimer’s in women
The author of the study, Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, from King’s College London, stated, “Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80.”
She said, “One of the most surprising things we saw when looking at the different sexes was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women, this picture was completely different.”
Ms Legido-Quigley stated, “The study reveals that Alzheimer’s lipid biology is different between the sexes, opening new avenues for research.”
She added, “Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet, through fatty fish or via supplements. However, we need clinical trials to determine if shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease.”
What did Dr Asger Wretlind say about omega lipids in women?
Dr Asger Wretlind, first author of the study from King’s College London, stated, “Although this still warrants further research, we were able to detect biological differences in lipids between the sexes in a large cohort, and show the importance of lipids containing omegas in the blood, which has not been done before.”
He added, “The results are very striking, and now we are looking at how early in life this change occurs in women.”
What did Dr Julia Dudley say about women and dementia risk?
Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, which sponsored the research along with LundbeckFonden, stated, “In the UK, two in three people living with dementia are women.”
She said, “This could be linked to living longer, or other risk factors like social isolation, education, or hormonal changes from the menopause being at play.”
Ms Dudley stated, “While this study shows that women with Alzheimer’s had lower levels of some unsaturated fats compared with men, further work is needed.”
She added, “This includes understanding the mechanisms behind this difference and finding out if lifestyle changes, including diet, could have a role.”
Research about omega-3 and children’s eye health
People can get omega-3 from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines, or via supplements.
A separate study found that children who consume more omega-3 fatty acids may have a reduced risk of myopia.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology released a study on 1,005 Chinese children aged six to eight, tracking their eyesight and diet through regular surveys. About 28% of the children in the study were found to have myopia.
Hong Kong researchers found higher omega-3 intake linked to lower myopia risk.
Signs of Alzheimer’s disease
Memory lapses are often the first symptom of Alzheimer’s. People may forget recent conversations or misplace everyday items. They can struggle to recall names or find the right words. Decision-making becomes harder, and they may become less flexible in daily tasks.
Around 982,000 people in Britain live with dementia, mostly due to Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to reach 1.4 million by 2040. About one-third of cases in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales remain undiagnosed.