FYI: [color=darkblue:052949ec2b]><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> [/color:052949ec2b] [size=18:052949ec2b]Omega-3 fatty acid supplements slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer’s disease[/size:052949ec2b] In research published in the October, 2006 issue of the American Medical Association journal Archives of Neurology Yvonne Freund-Levi, MD, of the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, and colleagues found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could slow cognitive decline in patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease. The team divided 204 patients with Alzheimer’s disease to receive 600 milligrams eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1.7 grams of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or a placebo for six months, followed by a six month period during which both groups received the omega-3 fatty acids. Physical examinations that included blood testing, blood pressure assessment and cognitive function testing were conducted at the beginning of the study, and at six and twelve months. One hundred seventy-four participants completed the study. While there was no difference in the rate of cognitive decline at the six month mark in the majority of participants, a subgroup of 32 patients with very mild cognitive impairment experienced no change in cognitive function test scores while receiving omega-3 fatty acids, while those who received the placebo experienced a significant decline. This decline was halted when the placebo group received the omega-3-containing supplements during the second half of the study. The group that received omega-3 fatty acids during the first six months experienced no further change during the second six months of the study. The results support other findings that suggest that a high intake of fish, which is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, is helpful for the prevention but not the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. As the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acids is a well known property of fish oil, it may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Research indicates that there may be a critical period at least two years before the development of dementia in which inflammation is elevated, and is potentially treatable. “The mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids could interfere in Alzheimer's disease pathophysiologic features are not clear, but since anti-inflammatory effects are an important part of the profile of fish oils, they are conceivable also for Alzheimer's disease,” the authors write. “It is possible that when the disease is clinically apparent, the neuropathologic involvement is too advanced to be substantially attenuated by anti-inflammatory treatment." “Studies in larger cohorts with mild cognitive impairment, including those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, are needed to further explore the possibility that omega-3 fatty acids might be beneficial in halting initial progression of the disease," they conclude. [color=darkblue:052949ec2b]><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> [/color:052949ec2b]

Very interesting results.... Thanks for the information. In other studies the administration of 400 mg of vitamin E show similar results. Perhaps administration of both: vitamin E and omega-3 could be more efficient.

Yes. Thanks John. Alzheimer's run in my family. This gives me hope that I might avoid it.

[quote:abeb0c35c5="DadBlair"]Yes. Thanks John. Alzheimer's run in my family. This gives me hope that I might avoid it.[/quote:abeb0c35c5] [color=darkred:abeb0c35c5]If you haven't already read [i:abeb0c35c5]The Omega RX Zone[/i:abeb0c35c5], I highly suggest you do. It specifically addresses Alzheimers. :) [/color:abeb0c35c5]

Read it Sue. The information was compelling when referring to Dr. Sears experience using PGFO to treat Advanced Alzheimer's at the River Oak's Facility. However, the info on Alzheimer's prevention was less so. Though Dr. Sears argument was logical and persuasive, many of the references were to population studies. The controlled experiments involving the brain in the List of References were mostly animal studies. The recent study referred to by John was a controlled study involving human subjects. It seems to offer more hope for prevention and early onset treatment. Not much though for the more Advanced stages. However, the amounts given in this latest study were rather low in comparison to the amounts given at River Oaks.

Does anyone know if there are any more reports/details available on the River Oaks approach? I've read the OmegaRx zone and was stunned by the apparent recovery of some of the Alzheimer's patients.

To Jennifer,

I haven't checked the book in detail for the specigfic info you refer to, but "The Omega RX Zone" does include a very extensive reference index (see pages 287 to 374).

You might also try "Googling" for more info.

sue

[quote]Posted By Ronald on 10/27/2006 1:16 AM

Yes. Thanks John. Alzheimer's run in my family. This gives me hope that I might avoid it.[/quote]

Have you read about using curry to fight Alzheimers? Apparently seniors in India, where curry is a staple spice, have only a small fraction of the Alzheimers we have in the US. Researchers think it is the tumeric in curry that reduces brain plaque. You might want to google "curry Alzheimers UCLA" UCLA neurology dept has done extensive studies on this. I recall reading that one of its neurological researchers says she now eats curry several times a week after learning this.
I love it and was eating it even before :)

Thanks Virginia.

Alzheimer's runs in my family, too. It's the turmeric in curry which gives the anti-inflammatory benefits. Dr. Sears writes about it in "The Anti-Inflammation Zone". He advocates eating turmeric frequently. I eat some alomst every morning in a smoothie. You might be thinkng that a smoothie is a strange way to eat turmeric, but the cocoa in it hides the flavor of the turmeric.