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Dietary DHA and health: cognitive function ageing.
Carlos Cardoso1, Cláudia Afonso1, Narcisa M Bandarra1
11Department of Sea and Marine Resources,Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, IP),Rua Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6,1495-006 Lisbon,Portugal.
Nutrition Research Reviews
|November 22, 2016
Summary
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is vital for brain and eye health, impacting cognitive function and mental well-being. This review explores DHA
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is essential for neuronal and retinal cell membranes.
- DHA is linked to anti-inflammatory properties, reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, and improved mental health outcomes.
- DHA deficiency is associated with central nervous system dysfunction and cognitive decline during aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the influence of DHA deficiency on aging.
- To emphasize neurological disorders related to cognitive function and mental health.
- To explore the role of DHA in neuroprotection and healthy aging.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on DHA's role in neurological health.
- Analysis of studies investigating DHA levels and cognitive function.
- Examination of DHA's impact on age-related brain disorders.
Main Results:
- DHA deficiency is linked to anxiety, impaired memory, and cognitive decline.
- Adequate DHA intake may mitigate risks of macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease.
- DHA derivatives like neuroprotectin D1 support brain cell survival and repair.
Conclusions:
- DHA is crucial for maintaining cognitive function and mental health throughout aging.
- Maintaining sufficient DHA levels is vital for neuroprotection and preventing age-related neurological disorders.
- Further research into DHA's signalolipidomics is warranted to understand its full neurological impact.
Keywords:
AD Alzheimer’s diseaseALA α-linolenic acidFA fatty acidMCI mild cognitive impairmentNPD1 neuroprotectin D1NeuroPs neuroprostanesPC phosphatidylcholinePL phospholipidRCT randomised controlled trialRDI recommended daily intakeβ-APP β-amyloid precursor proteinAgeingCognitive disordersDHAMarine sourcesMental healthMore Related Videos
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