Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cognitive Function with Aging, Dementia, and Neurological Diseases: Evidence Report/Technology Assessment Number 114 - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Paperback

• Release Date   6/29/2014
• ISBN-13   9781500354527 | 978-1-5003-5452-7
• ISBN   150035452X | 1-5003-5452-X
• Format   Paperback
• Author(s)   U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• This report is one of several reports focusing on the role of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) in the prevention or treatment of various diseases. This report focuses on the effects of omega-3 FA on cognitive function with aging, dementia, and neurological diseases. Over the past 40 years, an increasing number of physiological functions have been attributed to omega-3 FA, including movement of calcium and other substances into and out of cells. relaxation and contraction of muscles. regulation of clotting and of secretion of substances that include digestive enzymes and hormones. and control of fertility, cell division, and growth. In addition, omega-3 FA may play an important role in brain development and function. Docosahexaneoic acid (DHA. 22:6n-3) is the precursor to a newlydescribed metabolite called 10,17S-docosatriene, which is part of a family of compounds called resolvins. They are released in the brain in response to an ischemic insult and counteract the pro-inflammatory actions of infiltrating leukocytes by blocking interleukin 1-beta-induced NF-kappaB activation and cyclooxygenase-2 expression. DHA also plays a role in retinal rod outer segments by influencing membrane fluidity so as to optimize G protein coupled signaling. The major dietary sources of omega-3 FA in the U.S. population are fish, fish oil, vegetable oils (principally canola and soybean), walnuts, wheat germ, and some dietary supplements. THe following questions are addressed in this study: 1. What is the evidence that omega-3 FA play a role in maintaining cognitive function in normal aging? 2. What is the evidence that omega-3 FA affect the incidence of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease? 3. What is the evidence that omega-3 FA are effective in the treatment of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease? 4. What is the evidence that omega-3 FA affect the incidence of neurological diseases? 5. What is the evidence that omega-3 FA prevent the progression of multiple sclerosis?