New Study Reveals Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Guard Against Alzheimer’s in Women

Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may play a protective role against Alzheimer’s disease in women. Published on August 20, 2023, by scientists from King’s College London and Queen Mary University London, the study highlights significant differences in lipid profiles between women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and their healthy counterparts. This groundbreaking analysis could shed light on the reasons behind the higher prevalence of the disease among women.

The study focused on the composition of lipids, which are essential fat molecules in the body, particularly in the blood. Researchers observed a marked decrease in unsaturated fats, including omega fatty acids, in the blood of women with Alzheimer’s disease compared to those without the condition. Interestingly, the same patterns were not evident in men, suggesting that the role of lipids in Alzheimer’s may differ based on sex.

Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, a lead researcher from King’s College London, emphasized the implications of these findings. “Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80,” she noted. “One of the most surprising things we saw was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women this picture was completely different.”

The study involved plasma samples from 841 participants, which included those with Alzheimer’s disease, those with mild cognitive impairment, and cognitively healthy individuals. Researchers employed mass spectrometry to analyze 700 individual lipids in the blood, measuring indicators of brain inflammation and damage.

Results revealed a significant increase in saturated lipids, often deemed ‘unhealthy’, in women with Alzheimer’s compared to healthy participants. In contrast, the levels of unsaturated lipids, particularly those containing omega fatty acids, were markedly lower in the Alzheimer’s group. The findings suggest a potential causal link between Alzheimer’s disease and fatty acid composition, although further clinical trials are needed to validate this relationship.

“Our study suggests that women should ensure they are obtaining enough omega fatty acids in their diet, either through fatty fish or supplements,” Dr. Legido-Quigley advised. “However, we need clinical trials to determine if changing lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease.”

The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, is the first to explore the differing lipid biology in relation to Alzheimer’s disease across sexes. As research continues, these insights may pave the way for new preventive strategies aimed at reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s in women, a population significantly affected by this debilitating condition.