A team of researchers from Chang Gung University in Taiwan studied whether a daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement sourced from fish oil could influence cognitive function in older adults dealing with depression. The study appeared in a peer‑reviewed journal focused on mood disorders and emotional well‑being.
Late-life depression refers to depressive episodes that begin or persist in people typically aged 60 and older. A mix of factors, including chronic illness, social isolation, bereavement, and changes in living arrangements, can contribute to this condition. The impact extends beyond mood, often affecting physical health by increasing cardiovascular risk, diminishing immune resilience, and worsening existing health issues.
In this investigation, twenty participants over 60 who had experienced at least one depressive episode after age 55 were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. One group received capsules delivering 2.2 grams per day of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for 52 weeks, while the comparison group received capsules containing soybean oil as a placebo.
Findings indicated that processing speed, a key measure of cognitive function, improved in the omega-3 group while showing no significant change in the soybean oil group. Additionally, brain entropy, a marker of neural network variability, declined in several regions among those taking omega-3 supplements, suggesting a potential stabilization effect on neural activity.
The authors noted the need for larger, longer‑term clinical trials to confirm whether omega-3 fatty acids could serve as a therapeutic option for late‑life depression and its cognitive consequences. They emphasized that results should be interpreted with caution until replication confirms benefits across broader populations.
Earlier discussions in the field have touched on daily fish intake recommendations for heart health. While this study centers on mood and cognition in older adults, it adds to the broader conversation about omega-3s and aging. Future research will help determine which populations might benefit most and how omega-3 supplementation could fit alongside existing treatments and lifestyle approaches.
As science progresses, clinicians and researchers in North America continue to explore practical dietary strategies that support mental health and cognitive vitality in aging populations. While omega-3s show promise in this study, they should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, under medical guidance, and aligned with individual health needs and dietary preferences. Source: Journal of Affective Disorders