Significant improvements were seen in 2 of the 4 cognitive tests, with shorter mean latencies in a motor screening task (p < .05) & more words remembered (p < .03), and 1 of the 3 primary mobility measures with improved habitual walking speed (p < .05). Compared with the placebo, supplementation also produced significantly higher blood DHA levels (p < .02). This pilot study, showed that Active Memory improved cognition and mobility in able older females at clinically relevant levels, suggesting a potential role in reducing the decline to frailty.
Dosage & Duration: 12 months
Measures used: This was a 12-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using fish oil supplementation with concentrated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thirty six low-socioeconomic-status elderly subjects with MCI were randomly assigned to receive either concentrated DHA fish oil (n = 18) or placebo (n = 18) capsules. The changes of memory, psychomotor speed, executive function and attention, and visual-constructive skills were assessed using cognitive tests. Secondary outcomes were safety and tolerability of the DHA concentrate.
Results: The fish oil group showed significant improvement in short-term and working memory (F = 9.890; ηp (2) = 0.254; p < 0.0001), immediate verbal memory (F = 3.715; ηp (2) = 0.114; p < 0.05) and delayed recall capability (F = 3.986; ηp (2) = 0.121; p < 0.05). The 12-month change in memory (p < 0.01) was significantly better in the fish oil group. Fish oil consumption was well tolerated, and the side effects were minimal and self-limiting.
Reference
L. K. Lee, S. Shahar, A-V Chin, N. A. M. Yusoff, Psychopharmacology, 2013, 225, 605-612. Docosahexaenoic acid-concentrated fish oil supplementation in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a 12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
