Apolipoprotein E (APEOE) is a gene that carries different levels of risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, depending on which form of the APOE gene you have.

As many as 25 percent of people carry the APOE4 gene, which indicates a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s — In other words, an elevated risk. And as many as five percent carry two copies of APOE4.

One large study showed that, by age 65, most of these people had abnormally high levels of amyloid in their cerebrospinal fluid. (A buildup of β-amyloid plaques in the synapses between nerve cells is a hallmark of the onset of Alzheimer’s).

But all hope is not lost. In fact, a simple supplement was found to provide significant benefit to those most at risk — even at older age…

Genetic Alzheimer’s risk can be lowered with omega-3s

Two copies of APOE4 do not have to automatically sentence you to Alzheimer’s, thanks to studies like this one conducted at Oregon Health and Science University…

Researchers chose 102 study participants, aged 75 or older, who had low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood.

At the start of the study, MRIs showed that participants also had relatively high levels of white matter brain lesions but were otherwise healthy and did not have dementia.

Half the participants took omega-3-enriched fish oil supplements daily, while the other half took a placebo.

MRIs at the end of the study three years later found only a slight reduction in the progression of brain lesions.

However among people who carried the APOE4 gene, a dramatic reduction in the breakdown of brain cells was seen as soon as just one year into the study.

The power of omega 3s and where to get them

“The fact that neuronal integrity breakdown was slowed in people randomized to omega-3 treatment who are also at high risk for Alzheimer’s disease is remarkable, and warrants a larger clinical trial in more diverse populations in the future,” says Gene Bowman, Master of Public Health and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

Translation: further research is needed with a more diverse population (people without a genetic predisposition) to confirm these promising findings. But for anyone at heightened risk for dementia, you have nothing to lose and lots to gain.

Omega-3s are a health staple and are considered safe to consume in foods and supplements. And this is far from the first study to show their positive impact on cognitive decline — even in older adults.

Besides supporting brain health, the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can counteract a genetic risk for high cholesterol and fight antibiotic resistance.

Fish oil doesn’t agree with some people. An alternative is to choose marine omega-3s from krill oil. It’s more bioavailable, and therefore easily digested.

The red color of krill supplements comes from astaxanthin, an antioxidant shown to be 100 times more potent than vitamin E. Astaxanthin supports immune function, arteries, veins, heart health, nerve function and brain health.

One advantage astaxanthin has for brain health is that its molecular structure is small enough to allow it to cross the blood-brain barrier. This gives it the added ability to protect the brain and possibly even slow the onset rate of cognitive disorders.

Whichever way you choose to get those omega-3s, you’ll be safeguarding your health in a lot of different ways. And if you happen to be genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s, you could be saving yourself and your family from a long goodbye.

If you are prescribed anticoagulant medications, you may not be able to take omega-3 supplements. Talk to your doctor about that and whether getting this valuable nutrient through diet is a better alternative.

Source:

One Group of People Might Benefit From Taking Fish Oil to Slow Alzheimer’s — Science Alert

Study examines effect of fish oil in older adults’ brains —  Eureka Alert

ω-3 PUFA for Secondary Prevention of White Matter Lesions and Neuronal Integrity Breakdown in Older AdultsA Randomized Clinical Trial —  JAMA Network