The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cognitive Health: From Development to Aging and Neurodegenerative Protection
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.41.58753Keywords
omega-3 fatty acids, neuroprotecion, cognitive function, Alzheimer's diseaseAbstract
Introduction and Purpose
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are essential for brain structure and function across all life stages. DHA supports synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and neurotransmission, while EPA modulates inflammation and cerebral blood flow. This review evaluates the impact of Omega-3 PUFAs on cognitive development, maintenance, and neuroprotection, synthesizing findings from clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses.
Materials and Methods
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and meta-analyses was conducted. Studies on maternal Omega-3 intake and infant cognition, adult supplementation and cognitive function, and Omega-3s in aging and neurodegeneration were included. Biomarkers such as plasma DHA/EPA levels, cognitive function tests, and neuroimaging data were analyzed. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.
Results
Maternal DHA intake supports infant cognitive development, particularly in problem-solving and language skills, though findings vary. In adulthood, Omega-3s contribute to memory, executive function, and mood regulation, but evidence remains mixed. Higher intake is linked to slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, primarily via neuroinflammation reduction. Omega-3s show promise in early cognitive decline by reducing oxidative stress and β-amyloid accumulation, but their role in advanced Alzheimer’s remains unclear. Supplementation is safe, with minor side effects at high doses.
Conclusion
Omega-3s support cognitive function and neuroprotection, particularly in early-life development and aging. Their strongest role is in reducing neuroinflammation and slowing cognitive decline. However, benefits in healthy adults and late-stage dementia remain inconclusive. Future research should explore personalized nutrition, optimal dosage, and genetic interactionsco
References
1. Robinson JG, Ijioma N, Harris W. Omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive function in women. Womens Health (Lond). 2010;6(1):119-134. doi:10.2217/whe.09.75
2. Joffre C, Dinel AL, Chataigner M, Pallet V, Layé S. n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Derivates Reduce Neuroinflammation during Aging. Nutrients. 2020;12(3):647. Published 2020 Feb 28. doi:10.3390/nu12030647
3. Stavrinou PS, Andreou E, Aphamis G, et al. The Effects of a 6-Month High Dose Omega-3 and Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidant Vitamins Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Functional Capacity in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):325. Published 2020 Jan 26. doi:10.3390/nu12020325
4. Wei BZ, Li L, Dong CW, Tan CC; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Xu W. The Relationship of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with Dementia and Cognitive Decline: Evidence from Prospective Cohort Studies of Supplementation, Dietary Intake, and Blood Markers. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023;117(6):1096-1109. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.04.001
5. Chang JP, Tseng PT, Zeng BS, et al. Safety of Supplementation of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2023;14(6):1326-1336. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.003
6. Carlson SE, Colombo J. DHA and Cognitive Development. J Nutr. 2021;151(11):3265-3266. doi:10.1093/jn/nxab299
7. Chang JP, Su KP, Mondelli V, Pariante CM. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Youths with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials and Biological Studies. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2018;43(3):534-545. doi:10.1038/npp.2017.160
8. Cutuli D. Functional and Structural Benefits Induced by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids During Aging. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2017;15(4):534-542. doi:10.2174/1570159X14666160614091311
9. Decandia D, Landolfo E, Sacchetti S, Gelfo F, Petrosini L, Cutuli D. n-3 PUFA Improve Emotion and Cognition during Menopause: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2022;14(9):1982. Published 2022 May 9. doi:10.3390/nu14091982
10. Mora I, Arola L, Caimari A, Escoté X, Puiggròs F. Structured Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Improvement of Cognitive Function during Aging. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(7):3472. Published 2022 Mar 23. doi:10.3390/ijms23073472
11. Erhardt R, Cardoso BR, Meyer BJ, et al. Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Are They Beneficial for Physical and Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults?. J Nutr Health Aging. 2021;25(4):454-461. doi:10.1007/s12603-020-1553-7
12. Chiu CC, Frangou S, Chang CJ, et al. Associations between n-3 PUFA concentrations and cognitive function after recovery from late-life depression. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;95(2):420-427. doi:10.3945/ajcn.111.015784
13. Alex A, Abbott KA, McEvoy M, Schofield PW, Garg ML. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cognitive decline in non-demented adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(7):563-578. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz073
14. Wood AHR, Chappell HF, Zulyniak MA. Dietary and supplemental long-chain omega-3 fatty acids as moderators of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Nutr. 2022;61(2):589-604. doi:10.1007/s00394-021-02655-4
15. Waitzberg DL, Garla P. Contribución de los ácidos grasos omega-3 para la memoria y la función cognitiva [Contribution of omega-3 fatty acids for memory and cognitive function]. Nutr Hosp. 2014;30(3):467-477. Published 2014 Sep 1. doi:10.3305/nh.2014.30.3.7632
16. Maltais M, Lorrain D, Léveillé P, et al. Long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and cognitive performance throughout adulthood: A 6-month randomized controlled trial. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2022;178:102415. doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2022.102415
17. Suh SW, Lim E, Burm SY, et al. The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive function in individuals without dementia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. BMC Med. 2024;22(1):109. Published 2024 Mar 12. doi:10.1186/s12916-024-03296-0
18. Elagizi A, Lavie CJ, O'Keefe E, Marshall K, O'Keefe JH, Milani RV. An Update on Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health. Nutrients. 2021;13(1):204. Published 2021 Jan 12. doi:10.3390/nu13010204
19. Dangour AD, Andreeva VA, Sydenham E, Uauy R. Omega 3 fatty acids and cognitive health in older people. Br J Nutr. 2012;107 Suppl 2:S152-S158. doi:10.1017/S0007114512001547
20. Jiao J, Li Q, Chu J, Zeng W, Yang M, Zhu S. Effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive function throughout the life span from infancy to old age: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(6):1422-1436. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.095315
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Julia Adamiuk, Karolina Kopeć, Aleksandra Bartoszek, Agnieszka Marut, Marta Biskup, Jagoda Misiuk, Adriana Skuba, Katarzyna Załuska, Agnieszka Świdniak, Sylwia Nykiel
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Stats
Number of views and downloads: 115
Number of citations: 0
