Fish oil has been linked to various health benefits over the years, including reductions in the risk of developing coronary heart disease, some types of cancers, for treatment of depression, the skin condition psoriasis, as well as other ailments and conditions. But as promising as any other potential disease remedy, fish oil and its Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improved cognitive function and proven helpful in preventing declines in brain function, including those associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
A new study published by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital’s Alzheimer’s disease and Memory Disorders Center, has linked fish oil supplements with improvements in cognitive function and even positive physical differences in the brain of subjects taking fish oil, as opposed to those participants not receiving the supplement. The results of the study were recently released at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s disease in Paris, France.
This remarkable study followed 819 participants, of which 117 were currently taking fish oil supplements before, during and after the study period. The findings compared brain atrophy in patients over the term of the study, between those taking fish oil supplements and those who did not. The findings?  Those individuals without a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer’s and with a normal baseline of cognitive function at the beginning of the study, showed significant improvements in normal brain function over their counterparts who did not receive fish oil supplements. Additionally, brain volume was significantly higher in the patients taking supplements.
As a consequence of Alzheimer’s disease, the brain tissue actually shrinks and atrophies. It’s not fully understood why that occurs in patients suffering from the disease but decreasing brain size in the areas critical for memory and thinking, especially in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, can be curbed by fish oil supplements.
There’s no doubt the evidence supports fish oil supplements as a key to preventing life-altering diseases we all are at risk of developing. Doesn’t it make sense then, to take a supplement of this substance that does so much good?  It’s easy, painless and best of all, it works wonders.