A new study by researchers at King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London has revealed potential links between the levels of omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women. Published in *Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association*, the research suggests that women with Alzheimer’s disease have fewer omega-3 fatty acids compared to women without the condition. The findings indicate that biological differences in lipid composition may explain the higher prevalence of the disease in women, as about two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients in the U.S. are female.
The study, which analyzed brain inflammation and damage in plasma samples from 841 Alzheimer’s patients, revealed that female patients showed a significant increase in unhealthy saturated lipids and a decrease in beneficial unsaturated lipids. Using mass spectrometry, the researchers sorted 700 lipid groups, highlighting the disparity in lipid profiles between genders. The results suggest that omega fatty acids may play a crucial role in protecting against Alzheimer’s disease, though more research is needed to confirm these findings.
While the study does not establish a direct causal relationship, it raises the possibility that dietary interventions targeting omega fatty acid intake could help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s in women. Researchers recommend incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, or taking supplements. However, experts emphasize the need for further studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of these differences and how lifestyle factors, including diet, might influence the progression of the disease.
Dr. Asger Wretlind, the first author of the study, noted that the discovery highlights the importance of lipids containing omegas in the blood and the significance of these findings in a large cohort. He said, “The results are very striking, and now we are looking at how early in life this change occurs in women.” This research could lead to more targeted prevention strategies and treatments for Alzheimer’s, particularly for women, by enabling healthcare providers to tailor their approaches based on gender-specific insights into the disease.