Although our focus at the KAHN CENTER is cardiovascular disesae, many patients are concerned about their risk of dementia, particularly early-onset dementia <age 65 (EOD). Our evaluation does focus on brain health.
EOD imposes a high socio-economic burden. It is less prevalent and is less investigated than late-onset dementia (LOD). Observational data indicate that many EOD cases are associated with potentially modifiable risk factors, yet the relationship between diet and EOD has been under-explored.
Omega-3 fatty acids (cold water fish, fish oil, plant based sources) are promising dietary factors for dementia prevention; however, existing research has primarily focused on cohorts aged >65.
A
new research study examined the associations between omega-3 blood levels (which objectively reflect dietary intake) and incident EOD by leveraging data from the UK Biobank cohort.
STUDY
Participants aged 40–64, free of dementia at baseline and for whom plasma omega-3 levels and relevant covariates were available were studied from the UK Biobank.
Three omega-3 exposures (1) total omega-3, 2) DHA, and 3) non-DHA omega-3) and incident EOD were studied dividing the blood levels into 5 groups from Q1-Q5 highest.
The interaction between each exposure of interest and APOE-ε4 allele load was also assessed.
RESULTS
The study included 217,122 participants. During the mean follow-up of 8.3 years, 325 incident EOD cases were ascertained. Compared to participants at Q1 of total omega-3 (lowest levels), those at Q4 and Q5 showed a statistically significantly lower risk of EOD by about 40%.
Compared to participants at Q1 of DHA, those at Q5 of non-DHA showed a significant lower risk of EOD.
A statistically significant lower risk was observed in Q3, Q4 and Q5 of non-DHA omega-3.
No evidence of interaction between the level of omega-3 and APOE-4 status was noted.
CONCLUSIONS
This study expands the evidence of a beneficial association of omega-3 and LOD to EOD as well.
These findings suggest that an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids earlier in life may slow the development of EOD. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids appeared to be present for all APOE types.
Further studies will need to confirm of the "non-DHA" omega-3 fatty acids (like EPA and DPA) may be even more protectice than DHA.
At the KAHN CENTER, we will continue to measure blood levels of omega-3 and teach adequate omega-3 from food and, if necessary, supplements. Other brain supportive activities like sleep, fitness, and social connections, will be stressed too.
