September 28, 2006 – High consumption of ‘good fats’ may have a protective effect against cognitive decline in the elderly, according to a recent Italian study1.
Conducted from 1992 to 2001, this study established a link between the consumption of monounsaturated (omega-9) and polyunsaturated (omega-3 and omega-6) fatty acids and better cognitive abilities in the 559 participants of three cohorts.
Cognitive decline is a moderate impairment of cognitive functions caused by aging. Given the known beneficial effects of essential fatty acids on cardiovascular and brain functions, the researchers wanted to verify whether, in the long term, the consumption of essential fatty acids2 could slow down cognitive loss.
Aged 65 to 84, the men and women selected for the study did not have dementia, were independent and in good health.
Participants whose diet included large amounts of essential fatty acids (53.1 g / day in the case of monounsaturated fats) performed better in tests measuring their orientation, concentration, memory and language skills. .
On three occasions, participants completed detailed questionnaires about their annual food consumption. From this information, the researchers evaluated, in addition to essential fatty acids, the consumed amounts of various nutrients such as fiber and saturated fat (meat, dairy). The diet of the participants was of the Mediterranean type.
Monounsaturated fats (omega-9) came mainly from olive oil; omega-3s from fish; and omega-6s, soybean and sunflower oils.
Although the exact mechanisms of this protective effect are currently unknown, researchers believe that it may be due in part to the antioxidant effect of certain compounds as well as a beneficial effect on the functioning of neurotransmitters.
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
1. Solfrizzi V, Colacicco AM, et al. Dietary intake of unsaturated fatty acids and age-related cognitive decline: a 8.5 year follow-up of the Italian Longitudinal Study on aging. Neurobiol. Aging, 27 (2006) 1694-1704
2. For more details, see our Fatty acids sheet (overview).