Omega-3 and antioxidants ‘can help with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease’

A small-scale study has demonstrated the potential benefits that omega-3 fish oil supplementation and antioxidants can deliver for early-stage Alzheimer's patients.

Published in The FASEB Journal, the study saw 12 people with mild clinical impairment, such as those in the very early stages of the disease, provided with supplementation over a period of four to 17 months.

They saw clearance of the hallmark amyloid-beta protein and reduced inflammation in neurological tissues, suggesting further research into this relatively inexpensive and easily obtainable supplement should be conducted.

Dr Milan Fiala, research professor at the University of California's department of surgery in Los Angeles, said: "Prevention of mild cognitive impairment progression is one of the best hopes. In addition to physical and mental exercises recommended by experts, this study suggests that nutrition is equally important."

Full-scale clinical trials will now be needed to verify the findings of this research and to identify who might benefit the most. However, it adds to the body of evidence pointing to the benefits omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can offer against a wide range of health problems.