Chinese Study Finds Fish Oil Does Not Improve Alzheimer’s and May Accelerate Cognitive Decline

April 28, Kathmandu – Researchers from China’s Army Medical University have concluded that fish oil consumption does not improve thinking and memory abilities in Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, the study indicates it might accelerate cognitive decline. Many elderly individuals take omega-3 supplements aiming to protect their cognitive functions. However, this Chinese study calls that assumption into question.

The research analyzed data from over 800 elderly participants in North America, nearly half of whom carried the “APOEε4” gene, which increases dementia risk. According to the findings, those who took omega-3 supplements experienced a greater and faster deterioration in cognitive abilities compared to non-users. This study was published online in April and will appear in the June issue of The Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease. The researchers emphasized that “these results challenge the widespread belief that omega-3 is always beneficial and highlight the need for careful re-evaluation of its broad use for cognitive protection.”