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The startling deficiency behind Alzheimer’s in women
There’s no two ways about it…
Women often face dramatically higher risks for certain health dangers, and even very different symptoms for conditions that men may also suffer from, leading to confusion over diagnoses and treatment, and poorer outcomes.
It’s a phenomenon that has been most recognized in women’s heart health. However, the female brain also faces unique risks…
For decades, researchers have been trying to identify the exact reasons why two-thirds of people who develop Alzheimer’s are women.
Along the way, they’ve found that…
- Changes in a female hormone, known as follicle-stimulating hormone (or FSH), during menopause contribute to brain changes associated with memory loss and other Alzheimer’s symptoms.
- The loss of estrogen with age reduces energy to the brain and can cause it to age more quickly, leading to the formation of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Women with increased numbers of large particle HDL (even though it’s known as ‘good cholesterol’) run a higher risk of developing dementia.
But there’s more…
According to scientists from King’s College London and Queen Mary University London, a startling omega-3 deficiency may explain women’s Alzheimer’s risk — another risk factor that men do not share.
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A noticeable loss of essential fatty acids
For their research, the scientists analyzed blood samples and measured brain inflammation and brain damage in 841 participants, divided into three groups: those with Alzheimer’s disease, those with mild cognitive impairment, and cognitively healthy individuals.
They then focused on the lipid (fat) content in the blood to determine the balance of unhealthy, saturated fats to healthy, unsaturated lipids (omega-3 essential fatty acids).
According to senior study author Dr. Cristina Legido-Quigley, “Women are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and are more often diagnosed with the disease than men after the age of 80. One of the most surprising things we saw when looking at the different sexes was that there was no difference in these lipids in healthy and cognitively impaired men, but for women, this picture was completely different.”
In fact, the scientists say that not only did women with Alzheimer’s show a steep increase in harmful lipids, they also experienced a sharp loss of healthy omega fatty acids.
The researchers believe this marked drop in protective omega fats found in female patients could explain why women are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia more often than men.
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Feed your brain what it needs
The good news is that, despite the increased risks women face regarding cognitive decline, this provides a good starting point for reducing those risks…
As Dr. Legido-Quigley points out, “Our study suggests that women should make sure they are getting omega fatty acids in their diet — through fatty fish or via supplements.”
The Mediterranean-style diet focuses on fatty fish, olive oil, lean meats and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. This type of diet has been shown to reduce cognitive decline.
But for brain-saving omega-3 benefits, past research has shown that dosage matters. That’s because only a small percentage of the omega-3s, specifically DHA and EPA, reach your brain from the bloodstream. And if you’re a carrier of the Alzheimer’s gene APOE4, even less makes it to the brain.
Aim for at least 2 grams daily, and that can be as a combination of fish oil supplements and fish in the diet a couple of times a week. The FDA says that you can safely take up to 3 grams of omega-3 supplements containing EPA and DHA per day.
However, many people who start supplementing with fish oil stop for reasons that include indigestion and fish burps. I found a way around that by taking krill oil supplements instead. It’s a cleaner source of omega-3s and sits much better on your stomach.
Krill is also rich in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that challenges aging by protecting against oxidative stress and the inflammation that’s considered the root of disease, from Alzheimer’s to heart disease.
If you are on blood thinners, talk to your physician before adding fish oil or krill oil supplements to your daily routine.
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Sources:
A startling omega-3 deficiency may explain women’s Alzheimer’s risk – ScienceDaily
By Dr. Adria Schmedthorst
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