Studies show omega-3 rich oils reduce incidence of dementia
The Neurological Foundation of New Zealand estimates that one in five New Zealanders will suffer from a brain disorder in his or her lifetime. Keeping the brain healthy and our minds sharp as we age has been a key message during International Brain Awareness Week.
Now, as the week draws to a close, three recently-published overseas studies suggest fish oils can help reduce dementia in the elderly.
The results of the large population studies show an association between omega-3 (fish) oil consumption and either improved cognition or a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Oily fish such as salmon are a rich source of health-inducing omega-3 fatty acids.
In one instance, new analysis of a French study[1] found people who regularly consumed omega-3 rich oils reduced their risk of dementia by 60 per cent compared to people who did not regularly consume omega-3.
In Norway, the Hordaland Health Study[2] found better test scores and a lower prevalence of poor mental performance among people who consumed more than 10 grams per day of fish and fish products, than those who consumed less.
The survey of people older than 70, also found the more seafood people ate, the better the cognitive results, with the maximum effect observed at a daily intake of more than 75 grams per day.
In Holland, Dutch researchers[3] have reported improved mental performance among people with higher proportions of omega-3s in their blood.
The findings come as no surprise to New Zealand King Salmon. “We have long known the health benefits - particularly in terms of brain development - of omega-3 rich salmon,” says Don Everitt, general manager, sales and marketing.
“King Salmon has the highest natural oil content of all salmon breeds - a rich source of natural, healthy omega-3s, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
“Salmon is one of nature’s healthiest foods and we have long been extolling its virtues. We work closely with organisations such as the Neurological Foundation and the Omega-3 Centre to help bring the unique benefits of salmon into the public domain.
“We encourage all New Zealanders to increase their intake of omega-3. Incorporating salmon into the weekly diet is an easy and tasty solution; and helps keep minds sharp.”
The results have been reported in the January 2008 E-News from the Omega-3 Centre.
The centre is dedicated to effectively communicating the health benefits of omega-3s, where to find them and promoting omega-3 research and development in New Zealand and Australia. New Zealand King Salmon is one of the founding members of the Omega-3 Centre established in 2006.
Issued for NZ King Salmon by Pead PR
Contacts
Don Everitt, General Manager – Sales & Marketing, The New Zealand King Salmon Co. Ltd
DDI: +64 (3) 546 4863, NZKS: +64 (3) 548 5714, don.everitt@kingsalmon.co.nz
Sarah Phillipps, Pead PR, DDI: 09-918 5582, Mob: 0275 404055, sarah@peadpr.co.nz
[1] Barberger-Gateau et al Neurology 2007;69:1921-1930
[2] Nurk et al, Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:1470-8
[3] Dullemeiejer et al, Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:1479-85
