Fish Oil May Protect Against Dementia, Depression

Higher blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are associated with a lower risk of dementia and depression in elderly persons in a recent study.* EPA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in certain fish that may decrease the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

The study included 1,214 French persons aged 65 or older living in the community who were examined for dementia and blood levels of fatty acids over four years. Depression was also assessed because it has been related to both low EPA and dementia. By four years, 65 patients had developed dementia. A higher level of EPA was associated with a lower likelihood of dementia, even after accounting for depression and other patient characteristics. An association between depression and dementia was also confirmed. The authors concluded, "because depression and dementia share common vascular risk factors, the vascular properties of EPA could contribute to decrease depression and dementia risk simultaneously."

-Laura J. Ninger, ELS

* Samieri C, Feart C, Letenneur L, et al. Low plasma eicosapentaenoic acid and depressive symptomatology

are independent predictors of dementia risk. Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Sep;88(3):714-21.