Fourteen billion brain cells comprise the grey matter of your brain. Each of
these cells has connecting arms ending in synapses. These arms transport electrical
currents between each brain cell, thus sending messages such as pain and pleasure to the
body. When the arms are intact, the communication between brain cells is efficient.
If the arms become hardened due to aging or free radical damage, signals are
transmitted slowly and may be altered. If DHA levels are adequate, the connections are
more likely to remain functional. If the level drops, the connections become inefficient,
which can lead to brain disorders. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the level of DHA in
the brain sufficient to allow the brain to operate efficiently.
DHA's
ability to pass through the threshold and enter the brain sets it apart from
EPA, another Omega 3 fish oil that has also proved to be beneficial to the
body.
In a
study of more than 1,000 people (average age 75), those with high blood levels of DHA were
more than 40% less likely to develop dementia (including Alzheimer's) over the next nine
years than people with low DHA levels. In cases
where dementia has already set in, and DHA levels are increased, the patients
symptoms improved. Data also shows that as DHA levels in the brain decrease,
there is a corresponding increase in memory loss.
Studies
have found that major depression is associated with low blood levels of DHA.
Lack of DHA is not the sole cause of depression, but it is likely that
individuals who may be genetically or situationally (under trauma or chronic
stress) susceptible to depression do poorly if DHA is deficient in their
diets. Not only is low dietary DHA a problem, but prolonged psychological
stress may actually deplete LC-PUFAs from neuronal membranes. In a 1995
multicenter European study conducted by a team at the Fidia Research
Laboratories in Abano Terme, Italy, 494 elderly persons treated for six months
with 90mg per day DHA showed marked improvement in apathy and social
withdrawal symptoms.
Interestingly,
a greater risk of coronary artery disease is also associated with low DHA
levels. An overview of 83 studies found that coronary artery disease
correlated more strongly with depression that any other personality trait.
DHA supplementation may be helpful for the elderly
and infants, who require high levels of brain nutrients. The
elderly can fall prey to brain deterioration in the form of Alzheimer's disease or
senility, both of which can lead to dementia.
Reduced
levels of PUFAs have been observed in blood samples from Alzheimer's patients
and those suffering from other forms of dementia. More
and more, as senile dementia becomes a bigger social issue, DHA can be expected
to create even more interest in the prevention of such a disorder.
It is a
fact that as we age we tend to lose even more brain cells. However, elevated levels of DHA
have been able to slow the loss of brain cells. There are several types of dementia, but
in any case DHA has shown to be helpful in improving symptoms of any of
these types. Therefore it is important to keep
in mind that it is a good idea to consume fish rich in DHA. Tuna contains
the highest levels of DHA and EPA. 100
Patients
taking DHA showed a 65 percent improvement in dementia symptoms in a study performed at
the Gunma National University Medical Department in Japan.
