NEW DELHI– Women who consume more omega-3 fatty acids may have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research from King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London.
The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, analyzed blood samples from 841 participants, including individuals with Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. Using mass spectrometry to examine more than 700 lipids, researchers found a striking loss of unsaturated fats — including omega-3 fatty acids — in women with Alzheimer’s compared to healthy women.
By contrast, no significant difference was found in men with Alzheimer’s compared to healthy men, suggesting the disease may affect lipid biology differently depending on sex. “Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80. One of the most surprising things we saw was that there was no difference in these lipids in men, but for women this picture was completely different,” said Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley of King’s College London.
The researchers also noted an increase in saturated fats — considered less healthy — in women with Alzheimer’s, while levels of omega-linked unsaturated fats were most sharply reduced. These findings, they said, highlight a potential biological explanation for why more women than men are diagnosed with the disease.
While the study points to a possible causal link between fatty acids and Alzheimer’s risk in women, scientists stressed that clinical trials are still needed to confirm the connection. “Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet — through fatty fish or supplements. However, we need clinical trials to determine if shifting the lipid composition can influence the biological trajectory of Alzheimer’s Disease,” Legido-Quigley said.
The research marks the first time sex-specific lipid differences have been identified in Alzheimer’s patients, opening new avenues for prevention and treatment strategies tailored to women. (Source: IANS)
