Can omega-3 fatty acids prevent cognitive decline?

People looking to prevent Alzheimer's disease and memory problems should consider having more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, according to a recent study.

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Centre found that foods such as fish, chicken and nuts can help to lower blood levels of the protein beta-amyloid known to cause cognitive decline.

The discovery was made when researchers monitored 1,219 people over the age of 65 who were free of dementia and analysed the effects of ten key nutrients.

It was found that consuming one gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day lowered blood beta-amyloid levels by 20 to 30 per cent.

However, the researchers on the study have called for further research.

Dr Nikolaos Scarmeas, study author, stated: "Determining through further research whether omega-3 fatty acids or other nutrients relate to spinal fluid or brain beta-amyloid levels or levels of other Alzheimer's disease related proteins can strengthen our confidence on beneficial effects of [diet]."

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