It was reported this week that Alzheimer’s disease will one day be wiped out entirely by natural selection, according to a new study.
However, it will take several thousand years for the condition to be properly eliminated.
In the meantime, the number of dementia sufferers is set to reach one million by 2025, while last year it overtook heart disease to become the number one killer in the UK.
This means that finding out how to tackle its debilitating symptoms – which include memory loss, problems thinking and issues with reasoning – is high on the agenda for scientists.
While a cure remains unknown, researchers have found omega-3 fatty acids – found naturally in fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines, nuts and avocado, as well as supplements – can be beneficial to our brain health.
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According to the University of Maryland, several studies have shown that a reduced intake is linked to an increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Many experts believe they have a protective against dementia.
“Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important for the structural development of the brain, supporting neurotransmitter signalling and improving mood,” said Manal Chouchane, a nutritionist at BioCare.
“Alongside its anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce the risk of the development of dementia.
“People with Alzheimer’s disease were shown to have lower brain levels of DHA when compared to healthy individuals.”
DHA, along with EPA, are terms that appear frequently on packaging for many omega-3 supplements.
Chouchane explained that both are beneficial.
She said: “EPA and DHA have complementary roles in human health.
“Omega-3 is the umbrella term for all omega-3 fatty acids, and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the main types of omega-3 which exert most benefit within the body.
“DHA plays a structural role as a component of many cell membranes, while EPA plays a physiological role by helping to maintain certain body functions such as inflammation.”
As well as brain heath, omega-3 helps with energy production, heart health, regulating inflammation and supporting hormone synthesis.
While it is present in many foods, and it is possible to get it through diet, there are reasons why we still may not absorb enough for maximum benefits.
“The increase in the consumption of processed food and ready meals, which often lack these essential fatty acids, has led to us not obtaining enough omega-3 through our diet,” explained Chouchane.
“Also, some fish farming industry practices have also led to the production of poor quality fish which contain low levels of omega-3.”
She recommended adults take 3g of fish oil for the optimum dose of omega-3.