Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112795

Amalia M. Issa, PhD, MPH¹, Walter A. Mojica, MD, MPH², Sally C. Morton, PhD², Shana Traina, MA¹, Sydne Newberry, PhD², Lara Hilton, BA², Rena H. Garland, BA², and Catherine H. MacLean, MD, PhD³. (1) Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center, RAND Corp. Division of Health and UCLA School of Public Health, P.O. Box 951772, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, 310-508-3632, aissa1@ucla.edu, (2) Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center, RAND Corp. Division of Health, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138, (3) Southern California Evidence-Based Practice Center, RAND Corp. Division of Health, the Greater Los Angeles VA Medical Center, and the UCLA School of Medicine, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA 90407-2138

Background: It has been suggested that omega 3-fatty acids have beneficial effects in providing a protective effect on cognitive function with aging and attenuation of dementia. Objectives: To assess the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on: 1) cognitive function in normal aging; 2) the incidence of dementia, and 3) treatment of dementia. Methods: We systematically searched computerized databases to identify potentially relevant studies and contacted industry experts for unpublished data. Study Selection: We screened 5,865 titles, reviewed 497 studies, and found 5 relevant studies. We included controlled clinical trials and observational studies, but excluded case reports. We had no language restrictions. Data Extraction: We abstracted data on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and on study design; relevant outcomes; study population; source, type, amount, and duration of omega-3 fatty acid consumption; and methodological quality. Results: 1) A single cohort study assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive function with normal aging and found no association for fish or total omega-3 consumption. In four studies that assessed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on incidence and treatment of dementia, a trend was reported in favor of omega-3 fatty acids (fish and total omega-3 consumption) for reducing the risk of dementia and improving cognitive function. Conclusions: The quantity and strength of evidence for effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the neurological conditions assessed vary greatly. Due to the small number of studies that met our inclusion criteria, further research is necessary before substantive conclusions can be drawn.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• better understand the importance of systematic synthesis of the literature in evidence-based geriatric care. • evaluate the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid consumption as an intervention in
• the maintenance of cognitive function in normal aging;
• the incidence of dementia, and
• treatment of dementia. • identify areas for future research in relation to studying the effects of omega-3 fatty acids as an intervention to maintain cognitive function in older adults and/or slow the progression of dementia

Keywords: Aging, Evidence Based Practice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.