Could Omega-3 Fatty Acids Shield Women from Alzheimer’s?

New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Omega fatty acids may offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease in women, according to new research released on Wednesday.

Researchers from King’s College London and Queen Mary University London analyzed lipids—fat molecules that serve many critical functions in the body—in the blood. They observed a significant decline in unsaturated fats, particularly omega fatty acids, in the blood of women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s compared to their healthy counterparts.

Interestingly, no notable differences in lipid composition were found among men with Alzheimer’s and healthy men, implying that these lipids may function differently in the disease depending on gender. Since fats play vital roles in sustaining a healthy brain, these findings could explain the higher incidence of Alzheimer’s in women.

The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, is pioneering in highlighting the crucial role of lipids in Alzheimer’s risk based on sex.

“Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s Disease and are diagnosed more frequently than men after the age of 80. One of the most surprising observations was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, while the situation was entirely different for women,” stated Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley from King’s College London.

“This study uncovers that the lipid biology related to Alzheimer’s varies between sexes, paving the way for future research,” he added.

The team assessed plasma samples from 841 participants, including those with Alzheimer’s Disease, mild cognitive impairment, and cognitively healthy individuals, measuring brain inflammation and damage.

They employed mass spectrometry to analyze 700 distinct lipids in the blood.

Saturated lipids are typically labeled as 'unhealthy,' while unsaturated lipids, which often contain omega fatty acids, are regarded as 'healthy.'

The researchers noted a significant rise in saturated lipids—deemed 'unhealthy'—in women with Alzheimer’s compared to the healthy group. Conversely, lipids with omega fatty acids were notably diminished in the Alzheimer’s cohort.

The scientists indicated a statistical correlation suggesting a causal relationship between Alzheimer’s Disease and fatty acids, although clinical trials are needed to verify this link.

“Our research suggests that women should ensure they are incorporating omega fatty acids into their diet—through fatty fish or supplements. We require clinical trials to assess whether altering lipid composition can affect the biological progression of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Legido-Quigley concluded.