DHA may prevent cognitive dysfunction

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers suggest a component in fish body oil -- docosahexaenoic acid may help prevent some cognitive dysfunction in older adults.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, found after patients took six months of DHA they had fewer errors in visuospatial learning -- relating to visual perception of spatial relationships among objects -- and episodic memory tests compared with those taking a placebo.

"Twenty-four week supplementation with 900 mg/d DHA improved learning and memory function in age-related cognitive decline and is a beneficial supplement that supports cognitive health with aging," the study authors said in a statement.

The Memory Improvement with Docosahexaenoic Acid Study -- MIDAS -- involved 485 participants. It was conducted by Karub Tyrko-Mauro and colleagues at Martek Biosciences Corp. in Columbia, Md., working with researchers at Prosotf Software in Wayne Pa., Cambridge Cognition Ltd. in Cambridge, England, and Stedman Clinical Trials in Tampa, Fla.