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Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Are They Beneficial for Physical and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults?

  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Background

There is equivocal evidence about beneficial properties of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) for older adults.

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between circulating ω-3 LCPUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and their corresponding dietary intakes with cognition and physical function in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults at risk of dementia.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 142 community-dwelling older adults (60–85 years) with subjective memory complaints. Erythrocyte fatty acids (ω-3 LCPUFA) and the omega-3 index were measured; dietary DHA and EPA were assessed with a LCPUFA specific questionnaire. Cognition was measured using the Cogstate computerised battery and Trail-making tests. Muscle strength was assessed by grip strength and physical function via the four-square step test, 30-second sit-to-stand, timed up-and-go test, and 4-m walk test. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between erythrocyte ω-3 LCPUFA, dietary intake, cognitive and physical function.

Results

Higher dietary DHA and EPA were associated with better global cognitive function (DHA: β=0.164, p=0.042; EPA: β=0.188, p=0.020). Higher dietary EPA was associated with better attention/psychomotor composite scores (β=0.196, p=0.024), mobility (four-square step test: β=−0.202, p=0.015) and gait speed (4m walk test: β=−0.200, p=0.017). No associations were found between erythrocyte ω-3 LCPUFA and cognitive or functional performance measures.

Conclusions

In community-dwelling older adults with subjective memory complaints, higher dietary ω-3 LCPUFA intake was associated with better cognitive and physical function, supporting the evidence that ω-3 fatty acids play a role in optimising physical and cognitive health during ageing.

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Abbreviations

AD:

Alzheimer’s disease

APOE-ε4:

apolipoprotein E-ε4 allele

ASA-24:

Automated Self-Administered 24-hour

DHA:

docosahexaenoic acid

EPA:

eicosapentaenoic acid

FSST:

four-square step test

MCI:

mild cognitive impairment

MoCA:

Montreal Cognitive Assessment

SDT:

Suggested Dietary Targets

STS:

sit-to-stand test

TUG:

3 metre timed up and go

ω-3 LCPUFA:

omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

    R. Erhardt, S. Brownell, S. O’Connell, R. L. Duckham & H. Macpherson

  2. Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE), School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    R. Erhardt

  3. Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC, 3168, Australia

    Barbara R. Cardoso

  4. School of Medicine, Molecular Horizons, Lipid Research Centre, University of Wollongong, and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

    B. J. Meyer

  5. Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash HEART, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

    S. Mirzaee

  6. Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), The University of Melbourne and Western Health, St Albans, Victoria, Australia

    R. L. Duckham

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  1. R. Erhardt
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  2. Barbara R. Cardoso
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  3. B. J. Meyer
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  4. S. Brownell
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  6. S. Mirzaee
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  7. R. L. Duckham
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  8. H. Macpherson
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Contributions

Authors’ contributions to manuscript: HM and BRC: designed research and had primary responsibility for final content; RE conducted research and wrote the paper; BJM conducted omega-3 analyses; HM, SB and RLD conceptualised the Randomised Control Trial; SB and SOC collected and curated data; SM was the medical overseer of the trial. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Barbara R. Cardoso.

Ethics declarations

Ethical standards: This study complies with the laws of Australia.

Disclosure of Interest Statement: SB reports grants from National Health and Medical Research Council and personal fees from Deakin University during the conduct of the study. HM reports grants from NHMRC and ARC, and non-financial support from Omniblend outside the submitted work. SM reports personal fees from Amgen and Sanofi outside the submitted work. BRC, BJM, RE, RD, RMD and SOC have no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Erhardt, R., Cardoso, B.R., Meyer, B.J. et al. Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Are They Beneficial for Physical and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults?. J Nutr Health Aging 25, 454–461 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-020-1553-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-020-1553-7

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