An Oregon Health &
Science University
neurologist is directing a national study examining whether omega-3
fatty acids, found in fish, can lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Joseph Quinn,
M.D., associate professor of neurology, OHSU School of Medicine
and the Portland
Veterans Affairs Medical
Center, is leading
the multicenter, National Institute on Aging-funded trial testing whether docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, can impact the progression of Alzheimer's
disease.
Nutritionists have long
encouraged the consumption of fish as part of a heart-healthy diet. Some
studies now suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in the oil of
certain fish, such as salmon, as well as algae and human breast milk may
also benefit the brain by lowering the risk of Alzheimer's disease. In
recent European studies and the Framingham Heart Study, scientists
reported that people with the highest blood levels of DHA were about
half as likely to develop dementia as those with lower levels.
Quinn,
an investigator at OHSU's Layton Aging
& Alzheimer's Disease Center who studies potential therapies for the
neurological disorder, is working with colleagues around the
country to evaluate DHA in a randomized, double-blind study in which
participants will receive either the DHA or a placebo.
The
OHSU effort is part of a nationwide consortium of leading Alzheimer's
disease researchers supported by NIA and coordinated by the University of California,
San Diego.
The trial will take place at 52 sites across the United States.
It seeks 400 participants age 50 and older with mild to moderate
Alzheimer's disease.
"Evidence to date in
various research studies that have examined the effect of omega-3 fatty
acids on Alzheimer's disease merits further evaluation in a rigorous
clinical trial," Quinn said. "Our
hope is that we may find out that DHA plays a role in slowing the
progression of this destructive disease."
Researchers
will primarily evaluate whether taking DHA over many months slows the
progression of both cognitive (thinking) and functional decline in
people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's. During the 18-month
experiment, investigators will measure the progress of the disease using
standard tests for cognitive change and ability to carry out daily
living activities, such as managing finances, cooking and dressing.
"Study volunteers will be critical to helping us find out if DHA can make an impact on the disease process," Quinn said.
Martek Biosciences
Corp. of Columbia, Md., is donating a pure form of DHA
made from algae devoid of fish-related contaminants, for the trial.
Participants will receive either two grams of DHA per day or an inactive
placebo pill. About 60 percent of participants will receive DHA, and 40
percent will get the placebo. Doctors and nurses at the 52 research
clinic sites will monitor the participants in regular visits throughout
the trial. To ensure unbiased results, neither the researchers
conducting the trial nor the participants will know who is getting DHA
and who is receiving the placebo.
In
addition to monitoring disease progression through cognitive tests,
researchers will evaluate whether taking DHA supplements has a positive
effect on physical and biological markers of Alzheimer's, such as brain
atrophy and proteins in blood and spinal fluid.
To
learn how to participate in the study, contact Briana Studer at 503
494-9399, the NIA's Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at 800 438-4380, or by
email to adear@nia.nih.gov.
The
NIA leads the federal effort that supports and conducts research on
aging and the medical, social and behavioral issues of older people,
including Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. For
more information, visit the NIA's Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers.
For general information on research and aging, go to www.nia.nih.gov and for information
about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.