Taiwanese scientists from Changung University found that the omega-3 nutritional supplement found in fish oil improves cognitive functions in people suffering from depression in older age. The study was published in the scientific journal broadcasting Journal of Affective Disorders (JAD).
Late-life depression is depression that usually occurs in older adults aged 60 and over. Chronic illness can be the result of a variety of factors, including social isolation, loss of loved ones, and changes in living circumstances. This condition can profoundly affect a person’s physical health, increasing the risk of heart disease, weakening the immune system, and exacerbating existing health problems.
The study included 20 people over the age of 60 who had experienced at least one depressive episode after the age of 55. They were divided into two groups. One group was given capsules containing 2.2 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids per day for 52 weeks, while the control group was given soybean oil capsules.
The results showed that cognitive processing speed increased in the group taking omega-3 supplements, but remained unchanged in the group taking soybean oil.
Additionally, the omega-3 group showed a decrease in brain entropy in several brain regions.
The study’s authors called for larger clinical trials to confirm the therapeutic potential of omega-3 supplements for people with late-life depression.
Previous scientists I learnedHow much fish a person should eat per day for heart health.