Is that old saying still around? “Fish is brain food.” I recall hearing it when I was little and thought it was cool, at the time I never associated with brain function as we age though, I simply thought that eating fish would make us smarter, apparently it does much more than that!
Well, it turns out that the types of fish high in omega 3s are good for our aging brains and have been linked to reduced rates in Alzheimer’s disease and certain forms of dementia. Even though more studies need to be performed and longer in duration, it’s still nice to know that there are many beneficial effects from fish and omega 3s. 
In a study at Quebec’s Laval University the team paid particular attention to DHA: the omega-3 that constitutes a large proportion of the fatty acids in brain cell membranes and is essential to proper brain function.
Along with EPA, brainy DHA is one of the two key omega-3s in human cells, with fish and fish oil being the only substantial food sources.
The Canadians wrote, experimental studies show that rodents bred to develop Alzheimer’s-like conditions easily are more likely to do so when their bodies are deficient in DHA.
Likewise, most lab studies show when rodents are fed more DHA they acquire fewer, milder signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and get them more slowly. And, people who report eating diets high in DHA – from fish and/or fish oil – are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of senility (Calon F, Cole G 2007).
The Quebecois cited these facts in explaining their conclusion: “… the knowledge gathered in recent years holds out a hope for prevention and suggests that the elderly and people bearing a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease should at least avoid DHA deficiency.” (Calon F, Cole G)
Results of the few, mostly small and short-term clinical studies done to date do not show that fish or supplemental omega-3s improve behavior or test scores in Alzheimer’s or ARCD patients, once senility progresses past its earlier, milder stages.
The Canadians’ encouraging words echo ones from a Swedish team’s 2006 report on a clinical trial that showed reduced agitation among some Alzheimer’s patients who took omega-3 fish oil:
“Combined data from … epidemiologic [population-and-diet] studies point to preventive effects from long-term fish intake. Those results and the results from the present study support the idea that omega-3 fatty acids have a role in primary prevention of Alzheimer’s disease …” (Freund-Levi Y et al. 2006)
Australian scientists discovered at least one possible reason for omega 3s protective powers. Researchers at Melbourne’s Deakin University found that DHA – one of the two key omega-3s in fish fat – regulates the levels of zinc in brain cells (Suphioglu C et al. 2010).
Margaret Ackland, Ph.D., leads a group that studies the function of trace metals in human health, and identifies “molecular transporters” that control the movement of zinc and copper into and out of cells.
Professor Ackland and her colleagues set out to study the relationship – if any – between omega-3 DHA and zinc in the neurons (nerve cells) responsible for transmitting signals in the brain.
Ackland, told the Australian Associated Press, “We found that when the level of DHA in neuronal cells drops, the level of zinc rises. The higher levels of zinc can be toxic, resulting in cell death … a key feature of … Alzheimer’s.” (Rose D 2010)
She went on to make a key observation: “We believe that having omega-3 fatty acids in the diet helps keep the levels of zinc in the brain in balance and helps prevent the increase in levels that triggers cell death.” (Rose D 2010)
Science has known for some time that DHA is essential for healthy brain function, but they didn’t know, until Professor Auckland’s study strongly demonstrated that there was a link to zinc.
Auckland stated, “To the best of our knowledge this is the first time a direct link has been demonstrated between the levels of DHA and zinc in the brain’s neuronal cells. Our work provides insights into how fatty acid nutrition may prevent the development of Alzheimer’s …” (Rose D 2010)
Resources for Wild Fish and Supplements
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Sources
Calon F, Cole G. Neuroprotective action of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids against neurodegenerative diseases: evidence from animal studies. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2007 Nov-Dec;77(5-6):287-93. Epub 2007 Nov 26. Review.
Rose D. Omega-3 protects brain from Alzheimer’s. February 2, 2010. Australian Associated Press (AAP). Accessed at http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/omega3-protects-brain-from-alzheimers-20100202-nabw.html
Suphioglu C, De Mel D, Kumar L et al. The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, decreases neuronal cell death in association with altered zinc transport. FEBS Letters; volume 584, issue 3, pages 612-618 (5 February 2010). Received 26 October 2009; received in revised form 4 December 2009; accepted 9 December 2009. published online 14 December 2009.
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*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Evelyn Vincent
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