Supplements and Their Role in Maintaining Cognitive Function

Kate

I just had a birthday, so this article really caught my eye. I'm a baby boomer!

It is the fear of every baby boomer. As we age the question arises: “Am I as sharp as I was when I was younger?” Young people appear to be able to think faster and remember more. The image of an aged relative not able to remember names or dates haunts us all. Are we all headed that way?

A recent study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that people who consumed fish oil supplements (containing n-3 fatty acids) during their life may have higher cognitive function scores than those that did not. The tests given are used to predict functional capacity in dementia, and are used to measure cognitive aging and Alzheimer disease. The IQ scores of the fish oil supplement seniors was higher, but not statistically higher, than seniors who did not have a history of consuming fish oil supplements.

n-3 fatty acids are most commonly found in fish oils. Members of the n-3 fatty acid family include linolenic acid (18:3 n-3), eicosapentanoic acid or EPA (20:5 n-3), docosapentanoic acid (22:5 n-3) and docosahexanoic acid or DHA (22:6 n-3). People consuming the fish oil supplement had higher blood levels of the long chain fatty acids EPA and DHA.

The dietary assessment of the seniors included in this study was done using a food-frequency questionnaire, and therefore was based on information given by the study subjects. In the study, supplement users and non-users did not have significantly different nutrient intake patterns - their intakes of carbohydrates, lipids, protein sugars were the same. Interestingly, women were more likely to have a history of consuming supplements than men. People consuming fish oil supplements also had higher intakes of vitamin C, vegetables and cereal fiber. Because of this, it was difficult to attribute all of the improvement in cognitive function solely to the fish oil supplement.

Many health groups recommend increased consumption of n-3 fatty acids to maintain good cardiovascular health. The results of this study provide reasons for increasing these fatty acids in the diet. The study also shows that taking supplements may be a way of ensuring an adequate intake of helpful nutrients. In seniors, where appetite is often low, and food intake reduced, this may be important. However, because supplements supply high levels of nutrients, their role in the total diet needs to be established
_________________
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:27 pm Post subject:

well im screwed then, im only 24 and already cant remember what happened yesterday! and i take omega 3 supplements! help!!!!

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 377 Location: Italy

LOL! I'm 45 and i have to look into my cellphone for my own number.
I always have the excuse I do not need to call myself, but I guess it's not working anymore Very Happy

_________________
In vino veritas!

paulamathers · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 2:57 pm Post subject:

im the same on that, i always say "well i never ring me" and if im asked i dont have a clue what my home phone number is!

Kate · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:53 pm Post subject:

Hmmmm well I don't feel so bad then because I'm older than you both and I know my cell phone and home number by heart. I even remember the number I had before I moved to Southern Calif. LOL

_________________
A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:45 am Post subject:

i remember my mobile number, and the home phone number that i had when i was a kid (5 yrs old!) but the one that i have now i wouldn't have a clue!