Omega-3 fatty acid may help prevent Alzheimer's brain lesions

Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are good for your heart. Now, UCI scientists have found that one type may slow the growth of brain lesions associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Genetically altered mice with diets rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, had lower levels of proteins that lead to lesions than mice that were not given DHA supplements. This study is the first to show that DHA can slow the accumulation of tau, a protein that leads to tangles, one type of lesion. DHA is found in fish and other foods. UCI neurobiologist Frank LaFerla led this study, published April 18 in The Journal of Neuroscience.