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Fish consumption and cognitive function among older people in the UK: baseline data from the OPAL study
A D Dangour1, E Allen, D Elbourne
1Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK. alan.dangour@lshtm.ac.uk
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|March 6, 2009
Summary
Higher fish consumption in older adults is linked to better cognitive function, particularly memory. While associations remain after adjusting for education and psychological health, further research is needed to confirm the role of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs).
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Observational studies suggest oily fish consumption, rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPs), is linked to improved cognitive function and reduced dementia risk in later life.
- The Older People And n-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (OPAL) study investigates the baseline association between fish consumption and cognitive function in healthy older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between habitual fish consumption and cognitive function in cognitively healthy older individuals.
- To assess cognitive performance, including memory, executive function, and attention, in relation to dietary fish intake.
Main Methods:
- 867 participants aged 70-79, free of dementia and diabetes, were recruited for the OPAL study.
- Self-reported habitual fish consumption and cognitive function (including Californian Verbal Learning Test - CVLT) were assessed at baseline.
- Educational achievement and psychological health were also measured as potential confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Unadjusted analyses showed a positive association between fish consumption and CVLT scores, with more fish intake correlating with better memory recall.
- These associations were attenuated after adjusting for age, gender, education, and psychological health, indicating potential confounding factors.
- Similar trends were observed for global cognitive scores, memory, executive function, and delayed recall, with associations weakening upon adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Baseline data from the OPAL study support the hypothesis that higher fish consumption is associated with better cognitive function in older adults.
- However, residual confounding from factors like socioeconomic status or other health behaviors cannot be ruled out.
- Randomized clinical trials are necessary to definitively clarify the role of n-3 LCPs in maintaining cognitive health in the elderly.
