Open AccessOmega‐3 fatty acids are associated with blood–brain barrier integrity in a healthy aging population
Author(s) -
Barnes Samuel,
Chowdhury Shilpy,
Gatto Nicole M.,
Fraser Gary E.,
Lee Grace J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.2273
Subject(s) - polyunsaturated fatty acid , cognition , dementia , functional magnetic resonance imaging , magnetic resonance imaging , medicine , blood–brain barrier , population , cognitive aging , psychology , neuroscience , psychiatry , biology , biochemistry , fatty acid , disease , central nervous system , environmental health , radiology
In aging populations, omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with better cognitive function, slower rates of cognitive decline, and lower risk of developing dementia. Animal studies have shown that diets rich in omega‐3 PUFAs reduce blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption associated with aging, but this has yet to be observed in humans. Forty‐five healthy subjects (mean age, 76 years) were recruited and underwent cognitive assessment (verbal learning and memory, language, processing speed, executive function, and motor control) and measurement of PUFAs. Forty of the same subjects also underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure BBB integrity ( K trans using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI). The long chain omega‐3 score (DHA+EPA) was negatively correlated with K trans values in the internal capsule, indicating higher omega‐3 levels were associated with greater BBB integrity in this region ( r = –0.525, p = .004). Trends were observed for a positive correlation between the long chain omega‐3 score and both memory and language scores, but not with executive function, speed, or motor control. The omega‐6 score was not significantly correlated with any cognitive scores or K trans values. The significant correlations between long chain omega‐3 levels and BBB integrity provide a possible mechanism by which omega‐3 PUFAs are associated with brain health.