01.01.11
Nutraceutical: DHA
Indication: Alzheimer’s disease
Source: JAMA, November 2, 2010;304(17):1903-1911.
Research: In this study, researchers wanted to determine if supplementation with DHA could slow cognitive and functional decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. In terms of study specifics, researchers followed 402 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, who were randomly assigned to take 2 grams a day of omega 3 capsules containing DHA or a placebo. They continued their treatment regimens for 18 months. Cognitive function was measured upon entering the study, and again at 6 months, 12 months and 18 months. The subjects also had MRIs taken of their brains.
Results: A total of 295 participants completed the trial while taking study medication (DHA: 171; placebo: 124). Supplementation with DHA had no beneficial effect on rate of change on ADAS-cog score, which increased by a mean of 7.98 points for the DHA group during 18 months vs. 8.27 points for the placebo group. In a subpopulation of participants (DHA: 53; placebo: 49), the rate of brain atrophy was not affected by treatment with DHA. Researchers concluded that supplementation with DHA compared with placebo did not slow the rate of cognitive and functional decline in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.