Fish Oil Fails to Boost Cognition in Older Adults

Another major scientific study on a technique for improving brain function and cognitive performance has delivered a negative result. The study looked at the cognitive impact of taking Omega 3 fatty acid or fish oil over a two year period on 70-80 year olds. The study found:

No cognitive improvements as compare to a placebo.

The author of the study cautions drawing strong conclusions as it may take more than two years to see an effect or it might be essential to start earlier in life. To quote:

“From the data we have collected in the OPAL study there is no evidence of an important benefit for memory or concentration of increased omega-3 fatty acid consumption over a two year period among older people with good cognitive health. However, it is important to keep in mind that poor cognitive function can take many years to develop and although this is the longest trial of its kind ever conducted, it may be that it was not long enough for any true beneficial effects to be detected among this healthy cohort of older people”.

OPAL stands for Older People And omega-3 Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.  The OPAL study seeks to discover simple dietary supplements that will help maintain cognitive and retinal function later in life.  We will continue to track their work and report results on the Next Brain Blog.