Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid on cognition in age-related cognitive decline
Key Finding
DHA supplementation (900mg daily) significantly improved memory and learning in older adults with age-related cognitive decline.
Plain-English Summary
This large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of DHA supplementation on memory and cognitive function in 485 healthy adults over age 55 with age-related cognitive decline. Participants received either 900mg of algal DHA or placebo daily for 24 weeks.
The DHA group showed significant improvements in learning and memory function compared to placebo. On the Paired Associate Learning test, DHA supplementation was associated with a doubling of the rate of learning observed in the placebo group. Participants also showed improved immediate and delayed verbal recognition memory.
Benefits were particularly pronounced in individuals who were carriers of the APOE4 gene variant, though non-carriers also showed improvements. The study provides strong evidence that DHA supplementation can benefit cognitive health in older adults experiencing normal age-related memory decline. DHA was well-tolerated throughout the study period.