Abstract
Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA) may improve brain functions by acting on endothelial cells in the cerebrovasculature to facilitate vasodilatation and perfusion. The aim of this review is to explore this hypothesis by analyzing the effect of LCn-3 PUFA supplementation on systemic vasodilator and cognitive function and finding evidence to link LCn-3 PUFA intake, vasodilator function and cognition. Forty randomized controlled trials examining the effect of LCn-3 PUFA supplementation in humans on either endothelial vasodilator function or cognition were identified and pooled effects measured with a weighted analysis. Compared to placebo, LCn-3 PUFA tended to increase flow-mediated dilatation and significantly improved cognitive function. Emerging evidence links vasodilator dysfunction to cognitive impairment, but evidence that LCn-3 PUFA can improve cognition through enhancements of vasodilator function is still lacking. Further research is needed to determine: (1) whether LCn-3 PUFA can enhance dilatation of cerebral vessels; (2) if improvements in cerebrovascular responsiveness by LCn-3 PUFA are accompanied by cognitive benefits; and (3) the target population groups.
Highlights
Dementia is a progressive and irreversible impairment of cognitive function with a gradual onset that has profound consequences for both sufferers and their care providers, as well as being a great financial burden on society
When we examined the treatment effect based on gender, studies with a >50% male population were more likely to show a beneficial effect of LCn-3 PUFA supplementation on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) (p = 0.017)
(59%) observed an improvement in cognitive function after LCn-3 PUFA supplementation compared to placebo, which was statistically significant (p = 0.018) [21,51–62]
Summary
Dementia is a progressive and irreversible impairment of cognitive function with a gradual onset that has profound consequences for both sufferers and their care providers, as well as being a great financial burden on society. A growing body of evidence suggests that the initiation and progression of dementia is a consequence of poor cerebral vascular function and hypoperfusion [2–6]. The maintenance of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is crucial for normal brain functioning. CBF is augmented in response to local activities in brain regions to meet the metabolic needs of the neurons. This mechanism is termed neurovascular coupling (NVC) and is achieved by local vasodilatation of cerebral microvessels [8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
