Do omega-3 pills change brain activity in memory problems?
463. EFFECTS OF 24-MONTH SUPPLEMENTATION OF EPA AND DHA ON HIPPOCAMPAL SPONTANEOUS NEUROACTIVITY IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA: A RESTING-STATE FMRI STUDY
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Increased hippocampal ALFF correlated with worse cognitive performance on the ADAS-cog scale.
Most assume increased brain activity in memory regions means the brain is working harder to compensate successfully—this study suggests it's a sign of decline, not resilience.
Practical Takeaways
If you're taking omega-3s for brain health and have mild cognitive impairment, consider this study as a reason to manage expectations.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Increased hippocampal ALFF correlated with worse cognitive performance on the ADAS-cog scale.
Most assume increased brain activity in memory regions means the brain is working harder to compensate successfully—this study suggests it's a sign of decline, not resilience.
Practical Takeaways
If you're taking omega-3s for brain health and have mild cognitive impairment, consider this study as a reason to manage expectations.
Publication
Journal
International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
Year
2025
Authors
Chen-Chia Lan, C-C Liu, T-H Lan, Y-H Chou
Related Content
Claims (3)
Taking omega-3 supplements doesn't seem to make any difference in the brain changes that happen with mild memory problems in older people.
When people with early memory problems have more random brain activity in the area that handles memory, their memory and thinking skills tend to get worse—not better. This might mean their brain is working extra hard to try to make up for damage, not that it’s getting stronger.
Taking omega-3 fish oil supplements daily for two years doesn't seem to change the brain's natural low-level activity in people with memory problems or dementia, at least not in the way we measure it.