Omega-3s and Neurodegenerative Disease
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by brain inflammation, loss of neurons (brain cells) and oxidative stress. Similar to autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative diseases can produce flares of inflammation, the byproducts of which can be devastating to the brain.
Research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on our cellular health, including the reduction of inflammation, improved regulation of gene expression, cellular membrane fluidity, cellular signaling and immune system function (see previous post here).
Omega-6 arachidonic acid is essential for normal brain function, however, excessive arachidonic acid (AA) can lead to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage.
Just take a look at what inflammatory pathways lie downstream of pro-inflammatory omega-6 arachidonic acid (AA):
The arachidonic acid inflammatory cascade.
(Kousparou, Christina, Maria Fyrilla, Anastasis Stephanou, and Ioannis Patrikios, 2023)
Inflammation can get ugly in the brain…
It is now widely accepted that epi-genetics (the interplay of our genes and environment) influences our risk for neurodegenerative disease. Factors such as toxin exposure, infection, lifestyle, and diet all play a role in the evolution of these devastating diseases. These exposures stimulate our immune systems to varying degrees and can begin to create inflammation in the brain, laying the foundation for the development of disease years later.
Without any available cures, we must use all tools at our disposal to prevent these diseases.
Many studies have documented the role of PUFAs and their potential use as therapies in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Some key takeaways from the evidence include:
In those with mild cognitive impairment, patients who supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids showed significant improvement in cognitive function over placebo.
Omega-3 supplementation results in a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines, free radicals, and as can improve the quality of life of patients with multiple sclerosis by decreasing their relapse rates.
Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is critical in the formation of neuronal synapses and membrane fluidity and has been associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.
The ratio matters!
The standard American diet has as omega 6 : 3 ratio of up to 25 : 1. We evolved with a 1 : 1 ratio! Most evidence suggests a 4 : 1 ratio is optimal for reducing inflammation.
The great news is, we can easily measure the omega 6 : 3 ratio in our red blood cells and create targeted dietary and supplement regimens to achieve that ratio.
If you think you are suffering from chronic inflammation or are concerned about your risk of neurodegenerative disease, optimizing your ratio is a great place to start!
Sources:
Chiu CC, Su KP, Cheng TC, Liu HC, Chang CJ, Dewey ME, Stewart R, Huang SY. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids monotherapy in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a preliminary randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2008 Aug 1;32(6):1538-44. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.05.015. Epub 2008 May 25. PMID: 18573585.
Kousparou C, Fyrilla M, Stephanou A, Patrikios I. DHA/EPA (Omega-3) and LA/GLA (Omega-6) as Bioactive Molecules in Neurodegenerative Diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023; 24(13):10717. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310717
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