Alzheimer's disease is one of the brain-related diseases whose cases have been seen increasing rapidly in the last one or two decades. According to the report of the World Health Organization (WHO), in the year 2021, about 1 crore new cases of Alzheimer's disease-dementia were reported worldwide, and about 18 lakh people died of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

Medical reports show that women have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease than men, accounting for two-thirds of the cases of this disease. Generally, this disease has been known as a problem in older people, although experts have said that young people can also fall prey to it.

Experts say that Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain-related disorder due to which memory and thinking ability gradually start decreasing. In severe cases, it can cause problems in daily activities for many people.

Risk of Alzheimer's disease due to a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids

Health experts say that the formation of abnormal proteins called plaques and tangles in the brain starts damaging the brain cells, which also increases the risk of brain cells dying. This is the reason why people with Alzheimer's disease start having memory loss, confusion, behavioral changes, and difficulty in making language decisions.

Experts have found that people who lack omega-3 fatty acids have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

What did the study find out?

In a recent report published in the Alzheimer's and Dementia Journal, researchers reported that during the investigation, it was observed that women who had Alzheimer's disease also had abnormally low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. To reduce this risk, women should ensure that they are getting enough omega fatty acids from their diet.

A report of an analysis of blood samples from Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals found that women with Alzheimer's disease had up to 20% lower levels of unsaturated fats, such as those containing omega fatty acids. However, this low level was not seen in men with Alzheimer's, which suggests that there may be gender-based differences in the effects and causes of this disease.

What do the researchers say?

Dr. Christina Legido-Quigley, senior author of the study at King's College London, says, "The difference between men and women in relation to the causes of Alzheimer's disease was the most surprising and unexpected finding. These are indications that low levels of these compounds may be a cause of Alzheimer's.

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as the Mediterranean diet plan, have long been believed to benefit the heart, brain, and other organs. A 2022 study found that middle-aged people who regularly consumed foods containing omega-3 fatty acids had better cognitive ability and mental skills than others.

Does omega-3 cure Alzheimer's disease?

The other aspect is that many trials have found that older people who already had Alzheimer's disease or dementia did not show any significant improvement in cognitive ability or mental health by giving omega-3 supplements later.

Dr Legido-Quigley says that including omega-3 foods in the diet is beneficial for brain health. This kind of diet from an early age can help you keep your brain healthy. Apart from this, habits like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and poor eating habits also increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It is also necessary to improve this.

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