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The Relationship of Omega 3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cell Membranes with Cognitive Function and Brain
C Hooper1, P De Souto Barreto, M Pahor
1Claudie Hooper, Gérontopôle, Department of Geriatrics, CHU Toulouse, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France, Tel : +33 (5) 61 77 64 25, Fax : +33 (5) 61 77 64 75 claudie28@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
Significant research attention has focussed on the identification of nutraceutical agents for the prevention of cognitive decline as a natural means of cognitive preservation in the elderly. There is some evidence for a reduction of brain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in normal aging and in Alzheimer's disease. n-3 PUFAs exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic properties as well as being able to reduce tau phosphorylation. Many observational studies have demonstrated a link between n-3 PUFAs and cognitive aging, and some, but not all, randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a benefit of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognition, particularly in those subjects with mild cognitive impairment. The identification of a biomarker that reflects n-3 PUFA intake over time and consequent tissue levels is required. In this narrative review we discuss the evidence associating red blood cell membrane n-3 PUFAs with cognitive function and structural brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease.
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