This news report was referring to a Cochrane review which looked at the effects of omega 3-that’s essential fatty acid we get from fish oil-for the prevention of dementia in health older people. These were healthy participants over 60 with ‘healthy’ brain function. The three trials they looked at had over 3,500 participants. Half were given omega 3 and half were given placebo such as olive oil. What they were measuring was whether there was any benefit in supplementing with omega 3 in cognitive function and they didn’t find any.

But if you look at the research closely, there was no evidence whether omega 3 affected new cases of dementia so the potential effect on dementia remains unknown. The headline misrepresents the conclusion of the study-we don’t actually know if omega 3 does reduce dementia or not.

It was also not long enough to draw the stated conclusion. It was for 40 months which is not enough time to prove changes in cognitive function. I’m going to continue to take my omega 3 supplementswww.newlifehealthcare.co.ukand hopefully we will see longer trials proving benefit. Of course taking oily fish at least twice a week as part of a health diet is highly recommended.