Promising news for the elderly: taking DHA may improve memory and learning in older adults with mild cognitive impairments.
A study published in the November edition of Alzheimer's &
Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association suggests that
taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve memory and learning in
older adults with mild cognitive impairments. This is promising news for
many aging Americans who are searching for options to maintain memory
and support overall cognitive health.
The "Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid Study" (MIDAS) was a
randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled study to evaluate the
effects of DHA on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults
with age-related cognitive decline. The study found that DHA taken for
six months improved memory and learning in healthy, older adults with
mild memory complaints.
"The results of this study are very encouraging for those consumers
concerned about maintaining memory. We know that lower DHA levels are
associated with cognitive decline in healthy elderly and Alzheimer's
patients, and higher DHA levels help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's
disease," said Duffy MacKay, ND, vice president of scientific and
regulatory affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN).
"Memory loss, dementia and the development of Alzheimer's disease are
prominent health concerns for older individuals. The more we learn about
the valuable role DHA plays in supporting brain function, the more
options aging Americans have towards managing cognitive decline."
Read full article.
© Natural Factors. All rights reserved.