Fish Oil Supplements Do Not Prevent Cognitive Decline In Older People

A systematic review of three British short-term clinical trials involving more than 3,500 people aged 60 or over has found that omega-3 fish oil supplements probably do not help older people retain cognitive function. The researchers acknowledged that the studies were relatively short, so the longer term effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive decline and dementia need to be further explored. The trials, which were conducted for up to four years, compared the effects of omega-3 fatty acids taken in capsules or margarine to the effects of sunflower oil, olive oil or regular margarine (placebos). Participants given omega-3s did not score better in mental state examinations, or in memory and verbal fluency tests.