Study Says DHA Appears to Improve Memory in Elderly
Lee Swanson Research Update
The Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid Study (MIDAS) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effects of DHA on improving cognitive functions in healthy older adults with age-related cognitive decline. The study found that DHA taken for six months improved memory and learning in healthy, older adults with mild memory complaints.
"The results of this study are very encouraging for those consumers concerned about maintaining memory. We know that lower DHA levels are associated with cognitive decline in healthy elderly and Alzheimer’s patients, and higher DHA levels help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease," said Duffy MacKay, ND, Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs for the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). "Memory loss, dementia and the development of Alzheimer’s disease are prominent health concerns for older individuals. The more we learn about the valuable role DHA plays in supporting brain function, the more options aging Americans have toward managing cognitive decline."
The MIDAS study was conducted in a total of 485 subjects, aged 55 years and older with a subjective memory complaint and who met criteria for age-related cognitive decline (or age-related memory impairment). Subjects were randomly assigned 900 mg/day of DHA orally or a placebo for 24 weeks.
"This study reinforces the principle that consumers will reap the most benefit from their DHA supplements—and many supplements—when they are taken over time and before a health concern is imminent," continued MacKay. "When included as part of a proactive health regimen that includes a well-balanced diet, regular physical activity and routine visits with a health care professional, dietary supplements offer an important tool to help support many systems in the body, including memory and cognitive function."
Alzheimer’s & Dementia 6(6):456-464, 2010
- Company
- Contact Us
- About Us
- Help Desk
- Job Opportunities
- Guarantees
- Policies
- What's New
- Newsroom
- Security
- Mobile Sit
Feb. 2011