One of the most established areas of research for marine omega-3 fatty acids like DHA is positive cognitive performance and reduced rates of age-related cognitive decline. by Scott Doughman, Ph.D.
Two studies published in April 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that regular consumption of omega-3-rich food could prevent age-related cognitive decline. The studies, from the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, and the University of North Carolina, stated that only a limited number of studies have looked at the decline in cognitive function that precedes these diseases.
Researchers have started focusing their attention on Alzheimer’s disease. A pre-clinical study, reported that DHA may cut the build-up of a certain protein linked to Alzheimer's (Journal of Neuroscience, April 2007, Vol. 27). The study used genetically modified mice, and is reported to be the first study to show that DHA may slow the accumulation of a protein, tau, that leads to the development of neurofibrillary tangles, one of two signature brain injuries of Alzheimer's disease.
Recently, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) used cells from mice, rats, and humans to show that the DHA-induced production of the protein LR11 may cut the build-up of plaque from beta-amyloid deposits (Journal of Neuroscience, Dec. 2007, Vol. 27, pp. 14299-14307).
Results of a clinical trial published in the Archives of Neurology (Vol. 63, pp. 1402-1408) reported that a daily supplement of 1720 mg DHA and 600 mg EPA showed promise for the slow mental decline in people with very mild Alzheimer's disease, but had no impact on people with more advanced forms.
Dr. Scott Doughman's clinical review of Schizochytrium Microalgae Oil (Current Diabetes Reviews, Aug. 2007, Vol. 3, pp. 198-203) established a clinical summary that together demonstrated why and how microalgae oil is a smarter clinical solution for ratio and dose of Omega-3, also suggesting lower triglycerides and reduced lipid oxidative stress are clear benefits of DHA supplementation using microalgae oil.