Fish oil, thanks to the high content of omega-3 acids, can protect against dementia caused by excessive alcohol consumption, according to scientists from Loyola University in Chicago (USA).
The results of their research were presented for the first time on September 8 in Warsaw, during the 14th congress of the European Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism.
Long-term alcohol abuse is known to increase the risk of dementia. It manifests itself with increasing problems with memory, learning and other cognitive functions, as well as changes in personality.
Earlier research by scientists from Loyola University – Dr. Michael A. Collins and Dr. Edward J. Neafsey showed that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. Moderate drinking is defined as a maximum of two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. This is because small amounts of alcohol can improve the functioning of brain cells. However, the same study found that too much alcohol leads to inflammatory reactions and, ultimately, neuronal death.
Now researchers at Loyola University have found that the brain cells of rats exposed to high levels of alcohol are protected from excessive inflammation and death if these animals are fed fish oil.
In the latest study, the same scientists conducted an experiment in which the brain cells of adult rats were exposed to high doses of alcohol. They treated half of the cell cultures with alcohol alone, and half with alcohol in combination with DHA acid obtained from fish oil.
DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, the source of which is mainly marine fish fat.
The researchers found that among the neurons exposed to DHA, there were about 90 percent fewer cases of inflammation and death than in cells exposed to alcohol alone.
The authors of the study emphasize that further research is needed to confirm whether fish oil (fish oil) actually protects against alcohol dementia with such a high degree of effectiveness. “It would be a discovery of great importance for people with alcohol dependence,” says Collins. “Although, of course, we don’t want people to think that it is enough to take a few capsules of cod liver oil and you can safely go on drinking.” She adds that the best way to protect the brain and keep it fit is to simply reduce alcohol consumption (PAP).