Tag: fish oil

Fish Oil May Help Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s

A common question that many people have is whether they can reduce the risk of contracting Alzheimer’s disease, and if they feel that they are at risk or in the early stages, whether they can slow its progression. Now I don’t wish to promote any sort of quack or suggest that what follows is a cure, or even anything approaching one (what’s more, if you are in the early stages please ensure you see a medical professional). 

But there are encouraging signs coming out of a number of research studies into fish oil and Alzheimer’s that suggest that regular consumption of foods rich in Omega 3 oils (such as oily fish) may reduce the risk.

One study was conducted on animals such as rats and mice. It found that if they consumed fish oil for a long period of time, then they had a reduced risk of the disease developing.  The studies also showed other positive benefits including improved cognitive function (in other words the rats stayed smarter even as they got older) and reduced brain cell loss. 

Studies on humans have been less positive, perhaps because they have to take place over a much longer period of time. Even so they have shown some benefits. In one study conducted on older women, the consumption of omega 3 oils such as fish oil showed a marked reduction in the rate at which they suffered from cognitive decline. It pointed to the fact that additional studies in this area are probably needed.

There are also many other health benefits to taking fish oil. These include improved heart health and a reduced risk of diabetes. There is also a growing body of evidence from clinical trials suggesting that fish oil can help with weight loss (in part of a proper programme that includes exercise) as well as being of benefit in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. 

So even if you aren’t taking fish oil to help reduce the risks or impacts of Alzheimer’s, there are still many reasons to take it.