Omega -fat acids can protect women against Alzheimer’s disease, research finds

Omega fatty acids have been identified as a key factor in protecting women against Alzheimer’s disease, shedding light on why more women are diagnosed with the condition compared to men. A recent study conducted by King’s College London and Queen Mary University of London revealed that women with Alzheimer’s disease had lower levels of unsaturated fats, particularly omega fatty acids, compared to women without the disease.

The research, which was published in Alzheimer & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, involved analyzing brain inflammation and damage in plasma samples from 841 Alzheimer’s disease patients. Using mass spectrometry, researchers identified 700 groups of lipid molecules in the blood, with a significant increase in “unhealthy” saturated lipids in female Alzheimer’s patients. The study also found a marked decrease in lipids containing omega fatty acids in these patients, emphasizing the importance of these healthy fats.

Dr. Ascer Wretlind, the lead author of the study, highlighted the biological differences in lipids between genders and stressed the significance of omega-containing lipids in the blood. The study’s findings suggest a link between Alzheimer’s disease and fatty acids, although further research and clinical investigations are required to confirm this connection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately two-thirds of the 7 million Americans with Alzheimer’s disease are women, with around 4.2 million women over the age of 65 affected by the condition. Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, a reader in Systems Medicine, recommended that women ensure they incorporate omega fatty acids into their diet through sources like fatty fish, supplements, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

While the study indicated lower levels of certain unsaturated fats in women with Alzheimer’s compared to men, Dr. Julia Dudley, the head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasized the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential lifestyle interventions. By gaining insight into how Alzheimer’s disease manifests differently in women, researchers hope to develop more targeted treatments and health recommendations.

Understanding the unique aspects of Alzheimer’s disease in women is crucial for improving future treatments and health advice. This research, funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK, represents a significant step towards finding a cure for this devastating condition.

Ashley J. Dimella, a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital, contributed to this article.