Researchers say that older adults with memory problems can use fish oil supplements to improve their cognitive abilities. Healthy adults who experience mild memory loss, also known as abnormal episodic memory, showed improvement in their symptoms after 6 months of treatment. The new overview suggests that omega-3 fatty acid DHA is beneficial for improving memory problems for most people, especially when they are dealing with physical or mental stress.
Experts believe that supplementing with DHA-rich fish oil or other marine-based supplements may slow down or prevent intellectual decline in healthy individuals, similar to its effect on patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, the results of this research are somewhat contradictory, as these supplements have not been beneficial for some dementia patients. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is believed to help with communication between nerve cells. The richest sources of omega-3 are oily fish such as herring, mackerel, and sardines. UK authorities recommend that people consume fish oil at least once a week, but data shows that only a third of them do so.
Scientists say that some studies have investigated the effects of DHA supplements on memory.
“The benefits of taking DHA seem to be most noticeable when people experience mild cognitive impairment or memory problems due to aging, or when an individual is exposed to certain chronic physical or mental stress.” Since the human body cannot synthesize omega-3 fatty acids, the best dietary sources are oily fish. White fish such as cod, haddock, and plaice, while low in essential fatty acids, are also a healthy food choice.
On average, Britons consume around 90 grams of fish oil per week, while the government-recommended level is 140 grams per week. She said: “There are different studies showing that fish oil improves people's work performance and verbal memory, which means it might help delay the onset of cognitive decline, and supplementing with DHA can improve learning and memory functions. “Two-thirds of Britons never eat oily fish, and their diets lack omega-3, making supplements a good alternative. We all know that people with the least amount of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet experience the fastest cognitive decline.”