fish oil supplements do not slow the progress of dementia

According to a new study, omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil supplements do not slow the progress of dementia.

Joseph F. Quinn, M.D., of Oregon Health and Science University and the Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, Ore., presented the findings of the study at a JAMA media briefing at the National Press Club.

Dr. Quinn and his team conducted a randomized, controlled trial to examine whether DHA supplementation would slow the rate of cognitive and functional decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The study involved approximately 300 men and women aged 76 on average with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They were randomly assigned to take either DHA pills or dummy pills daily for 18 months.

After 18 months, the patients’ cognitive decline was measured. The patients who took the supplement had the same rate of cognitive decline as those who took the placebo, according to the study.

The new research is just the latest to raise questions on the mental benefits of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which until recently was considered a promising way to minimize the risk and damage of dementia.

Other studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids in fish or supplements help protect against heart disease and are being studied for possible effects on a range of other illnesses including cancer and depression.

Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh-leading cause of death for people in the United States; and the fifth-leading cause of death for those over the age of 65.

There are currently no treatments that “cure” Alzheimer’s.