Omega-3 'not effective' for slowing onset of dementia

The latest scientific research suggests that patients taking a certain Omega-3 fatty acid to try and slow the onset of dementia have not seen positive results.

Published in the latest edition of the Journal of The American Medical Association, a study by American researchers found that people taking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in a bid to slow cognitive decline rates saw no added benefit, compared to a group who were treated with a placebo.

The trial was carried out at 51 different clinical research sites in the US, with 402 patients taking part.

Reacting to the news, the Alzheimer's Research Trust's head of research Dr Simon Ridley said that it was always a great disappointment when a prospective treatment for dementia comes up short.

"Whilst this study shows DHA doesn't work as an Alzheimer's treatment, it's still possible that DHA might have some effects if started much earlier, perhaps even before dementia symptoms appear," he said.

According to the Alzheimer's Society, 64 per cent of people living in care homes have some form of dementia.

Read more about Barchester's dementia care homes.