Omega 3-6-9 and Alzheimer's Disease

Omega 3-6-9 Introduction

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​Omega-3-6-9 fatty acids, also referred to as Omega Fatty Acids, are well known for their numerous health benefits. But what exactly are Omega-3-6-9s and what role do they have in preventing cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease?

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We’ll answer these questions one by one, as well as take a brief look at some of the other health benefits of Omega Fatty Acids below.

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First, let’s clarify exactly what Omega-3-6-9s are. Omega-3-6-9 Fatty Acids are a type of nutrient that your body needs for numerous functions ranging from muscle activity, to cell growth, to mental development. Omega-3-6-9s are considered “essential fatty acids”, this means that your body cannot produce them, your body can only obtain them through your diet. This is why it’s important to have a diet rich in Omega-3-6-9s or to supplement your diet with an Omega-3-6-9 supplement.

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General Benefits

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Research has shown numerous health benefits related to Omega-3-6-9 consumption. These benefits are explained by several factors, but perhaps most significant are that Omega-3-6-9s reduce inflammation across the entire body and that they are required for the body to perform certain tasks.

 

While Omega-3-6-9s rose to popularity because of their importance to the human heart, they have recently been in the spotlight for their ability to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other types of cognitive decline.

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Omega-3 fatty acids are a nutritional compound that have been proven to reduce inflammation throughout the body. As we have discussed in previous articles, inflammation is one of the largest contributors to both heart disease and brain damage. By reducing this inflammation, Omega-3s can significantly reduce the amount of damage it causes.

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Specific Benefits

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Reduced Cancer Risk

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Omega-3s are believed to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, especially breast cancer, by reducing inflammation and by slowing the growth rate of cancerous cells. While studies are ongoing, research has shown that cultures which consume higher amounts of Omega-3s have significant lower rates of breast cancer.

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Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

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Omega-3s are believed to improve heart health by reducing both cholesterol and inflammation. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to reduce the likelihood of heart attack and heart disease as well as improve the outcomes of patients whom experienced a heart attack or heart disease.

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The evidence for Omega-3s heart health is so strong that the FDA has approved two Omega-3 formulations to treat high cholesterol.

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Reduced Risk of Macular Degeneration

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Macular degeneration is a common condition that affects one in eight people over the age of 60. In Macular degeneration a sensitive region of the eye slowly deteriorates resulting in reduced vision and ultimately blindness.

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The National Eye Institute concluded that there is “consistent evidence” showing that Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for eye health and that they may protect from the disease. Higher levels of Omega-3s are correlated with a lower risk of macular degeneration. Link-Axe

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Improved Quality of Sleep

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Low levels of Omega-3s are linked to low levels of melatonin, a hormone which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.

As we know, consistent poor sleep is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Link- Self

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Increased Bone Health

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Fatty acids, especially Omega-3s have been found to increase the amount of calcium your body can absorb during digestion- calcium is needed for healthy bones. Several small trials have found an increase in bone density in individuals whom took an Omega-3 supplement. The group that did not take the supplement was found to have decreased bone density.

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Neuroprotective Benefits and Alzheimer’s Prevention

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In addition to the fact that Omega-3-6-9s fatty acids are needed for the normal day to day functions of the brain, Omega acids have also been shown to have several neuroprotective benefits.

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Omega-3-6-9s reduce the creation and accumulation of amyloid plaques, amyloid plaques are toxic waste products which are believed to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease.

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Omega-3-6-9s improve cardiovascular health. A healthy cardiovascular system has been directly linked to brain health. The cardiovascular system delivers nutrients to the brain needed necessary for daily functioning and blood circulation cleans out harmful byproducts that build up as a result of the brain’s normal daily functions.

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Omega Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation

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Inflammation has recently been the focus in the search to understand Alzheimer’s Disease. While inflammation's relationship to Alzheimer’s Disease is not completely understood, we know that inflammation can contribute heavily to the deterioration of the brain seen in Alzheimer’s Disease. Omega Fatty Acids reduce this inflammation and some studies have subsequently found that Omega Fatty Acids reduce the likelihood of Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline.

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Summary and Recommendation

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Omega Fatty Acids have been shown to have numerous beneficial effects ranging from heart health, to eyesight, to cognitive health and increased prevention of Alzheimer's Disease.

 

Every individual, especially those at a higher risk of Alzheimer's Disease should make a proactive effort to supplement their diet with Omega Fatty Acids, either through diet or supplementation.

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The Alzheimer's Organization Omega-3-6-9 Supplement can be found here.