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Effects of n-3 fatty acids on cognitive decline: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in stable myocardial infarction patients

Authors

Geleijnse, Johanna M., Giltay, Erik J., Kromhout, Daan

Journal

Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal Of The Alzheimer's Association, Volume: 8, No.: 4, Pages.: 278-287

Year of Publication

2012

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest a protective effect of n-3 fatty acids derived from fish (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) against cognitive decline. For α-linolenic acid (ALA) obtained from vegetable sources, the effect on cognitive decline is unknown. We examined the effect of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on cognitive decline in coronary heart disease patients.; Methods: The analysis included 2911 coronary patients (78% men) aged 60 to 80 years who participated in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of n-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases (Alpha Omega Trial). By using a 2 × 2 factorial design, patients were randomly assigned to margarines that provided 400 mg/d of EPA-DHA, 2 g/d of ALA, both EPA-DHA and ALA, or placebo for 40 months. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline and after 40 months. The effect of n-3 fatty acids on change in MMSE score was assessed using analysis of variance. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects on risk of cognitive decline, defined as a decrease of 3 or more points in MMSE score or incidence of dementia.; Results: Patients in the active treatment groups had an additional intake of 384 mg of EPA-DHA, 1.9 g of ALA, or both. The overall MMSE score in this cohort was 28.3 ± 1.6 points, which decreased by 0.67 ± 2.25 points during follow-up. Changes in MMSE score during intervention did not differ significantly between EPA-DHA and placebo (-0.65 vs -0.69 points, P = .44) or between ALA and placebo (-0.60 vs -0.74 points, P = .12). The risk of cognitive decline was 1.03 (95% confidence interval: 0.84-1.26, P = .80) for EPA-DHA (vs placebo) and 0.90 (0.74-1.10, P = .31) for ALA (vs placebo).; Conclusion: This large intervention study showed no effect of dietary doses of n-3 fatty acids on global cognitive decline in coronary heart disease patients.; Copyright © 2012 The Alzheimer’s Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Bibtex Citation

@article{Geleijnse_2012, doi = {10.1016/j.jalz.2011.06.002}, url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jalz.2011.06.002}, year = 2012, month = {jul}, publisher = {Elsevier {BV}}, volume = {8}, number = {4}, pages = {278--287}, author = {Johanna M. Geleijnse and Erik J. Giltay and Daan Kromhout}, title = {Effects of n-3 fatty acids on cognitive decline: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in stable myocardial infarction patients}, journal = {Alzheimer{textquotesingle}s {&} Dementia} }

Keywords

administration & dosage, aged, aged, 80 and over, cognition disorders, complications, coronary, diet therapy, doubleblind method, etiology, fatty acids omega3, female, humans, logistic models, longitudinal studies, male, mental status schedule, middle aged, myocardial infarction, neuropsychological tests, patients, treatment outcome

Countries of Study

Netherlands

Types of Study

Randomised Controlled Trial

Type of Outcomes

Cognition

Type of Interventions

Risk Factor Modification

Risk Factor Modifications

At risk population