A study involving 1,575 older adults (aged 58-76) has found that those with DHA levels in the bottom 25% had smaller brain volume (equivalent to about 2 years of aging) and greater amounts of white matter lesions. Those with levels of all omega-3 fatty acids in the bottom quarter also scored lower on tests of visual memory, executive function, and abstract thinking.
The finding adds to the evidence that higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids reduce dementia risk.
Reference:
[2818]
(2012). Red Blood Cell Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels and Markers of Accelerated Brain Aging.
Neurology. 78(9), 658 - 664.