Lower Omega-3 levels in women may raise Alzheimer’s risk: Here’s what to do

OMEGA 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are synthesizesed in small quantities only in the human body. Hence they are called essential nutrients.The three types of Omega3 fatty acids which are medically important are1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)2. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)Omega 3 fatty acid which is plant origin is ALA. The other 2 are found in fish and fish oils.

Studies have shown that the level of OMEGA fatty acid especially DHA is low in Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimer’s disease is a Neurodegenerative disease in which amyloid plaques and tau proteins accumulate in the brain and cause death and destruction of neurons. This leads to various neurological symptoms like difficulty in thinking, concentration, memory, reasoning and behavioral issues.

Women are more prone for this diseaseThe cause is not known exactly but could be related to 1. Hormonal changes during menopause. 2. Depression. 3. Reduced physical activity. 4.Genetic predispositionA recent study from the UK found that these unsaturated fatty acids were disproportionately low in women with Alzheimer’s disease. Also they found that there was no significant difference in men with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitively normal men. This indicates that this lipid is of special importance for the brain health of middle aged women and for women with family history of dementia. It has been shown that in 40% of the patients with Alzheimer’s, the disease progression can be prevented if intervened in early stages. Supplementing with omega3 fatty acids is an important and practical approach in this direction.Some studies have shown that individuals with APO E4 genotype benefit more with supplementation of OMEGA 3 fatty acid specially DHA. APOE4 refers to the Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele, a genetic variant on chromosome 19 that a stong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).The mechanism could be the reduced delivery of DHA to the brain cells in people with APO E4.Plasma level of OMEGA 3 fatty acids or erythrocytes membrane concentration can be used in future to detect patients with high risk of development of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have found that supplementing DHA of 1 g per day can be protective against this.Omega-3 rich foods are the fatty fish sardines, salmon, and mackerelPlant-based sources are flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans and kidney beans, algae, mustard oil and olive oil. Although women stand a higher risk of Alzheimer’s, prudent and judicious use of common ingredients found in one’s kitchen can go a long way in warding off this abysmal disease. (Dr Shobha N Gudi, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar)