EPA and DHA status and indicators of atrophy on MRI scans of older adults

Omega‐3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Brain atrophy, particularly of the cortex and medial temporal lobe, indicates tissue pathology and is commonly seen on MRI scans of dementia patients. Our aim was to examine the cross‐sectional association between these fatty acids and MRI indicators of atrophy in 331 elderly home care clients in Boston, MA. Dietary intake was estimated from a validated, interviewer‐administered FFQ. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid profiles were assessed on a subset of subjects. Outcomes were based on clinical MRI measurements. After adjustment for major dementia risk factors, positive associations with total brain volume were seen for dietary EPA+DHA (β=0.84, P=0.02) and plasma phospholipid DHA (β=2.25, P=0.03). Higher sulcal grades, indicating more cortical atrophy, were negatively associated with dietary EPA+DHA (β=‐0.22, P=0.03) and plasma phospholipid DHA (β=‐0.56 (P=0.06). Hippocampal volume was positively associated with dietary EPA+DHA (β=0.007, P=0.01), but not with plasma fatty acids. EPA and DHA may play a role in preserving neuronal tissue, particularly the cortex, from damage and atrophy commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease. Longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and confirm these associations. This study was supported by NIA AG21790‐01, GCRC‐NIH MO1‐RR00054, and USDA‐ARS agreement 58‐1950‐7‐707.