Omega-3 Levels Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Women, New Study Finds
LONDON – A new European study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia reveals a notable link between blood lipid levels and Alzheimer’s disease development, with a notably notable protective effect of omega-3 fatty acids observed specifically in women. Researchers at King’s College London analyzed over 800 blood samples from the ANMerge study, encompassing 306 Alzheimer’s patients and 165 individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
The research found that women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s exhibited higher levels of saturated lipids – often considered “bad” fats – and substantially lower concentrations of unsaturated lipids containing omega-3. Strikingly, no comparable lipid changes were detected in men, nonetheless of their disease status.
“this suggests that we need specific sex approaches to understand, diagnose and potentially treat Alzheimer’s disease,” stated Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, the study’s main author.
While the findings highlight a potential correlation,experts caution against immediate dietary recommendations. UCLA Alzheimer’s research center professor Timothy Chang, acknowledging the study’s methodological strength, emphasized that the research does not yet definitively prove a causal relationship between omega-3 intake and Alzheimer’s prevention in women.
Currently,increasing omega-3 consumption is still recommended for overall health. Natural sources of omega-3 include salmon,mackerel,sardines,flax seeds,chia seeds,and walnuts.
further clinical trials are planned to investigate why this potential protective effect appears unique to women and whether it extends to younger populations or diverse ethnic groups. The study represents a crucial step towards a more nuanced and sex-specific understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.
Approximately 7.2 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease, with women accounting for nearly two-thirds of those affected.
