I’m definitely into the weeds here! I started to research the MIDAS study on algal docasahexaenoic acid (DHA) (Salem, N., Vandal, M, Calon, F., 2015). The study, the first large, randomized and placebo-controlled study of DHA and brain health in older adults, found that taking algal DHA omega-3 made a significant difference in memory for those with small memory loss. Participants who took 900mg algal DHA capsules daily for six months reduced their errors on learning tests and episodic memory performance almost by half.
Although they are not the brain, I thought these mushrooms which I found on the ridge behind my house looked very dendritic.
In researching the difference between algal DHA and DHA derived from fish oils I found a simple explanation from Precision Nutrition, a nutrition coaching company dedicated to research-driven nutrition information, directed by Dr. John Berardi and Phil Caravaggio (Andrews, R). Berardi received his doctorate at University of Western Ontario, specializing in nutrient biochemistry and exercise physiology. Little fish eat algae, bigger fish eat little fish, we eat bigger fish. Why not just eat algae? Algae contains chlorophyll, plant pigments, omega-3 fatty acids in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA, and other marine minerals such as iodine.
Dr. Scott Doughman is quoted on the Precision Nutrition page, “Because DHA is the active component for lowering triglycerides, for bioavailability to the brain and organs, and all omega-3s can be made from DHA. Algae oil is more concentrated in omega-3s and in DHA and is thus better formulated for human metabolism.” Doughman also has his own brand of supplements so it is important to be wary here.
Algae is also more sustainable as we face potentially overfishing our oceans.
However, another study found that DHA did not make any difference. The second, the ADCS AD trial found that DHA did not positively affect the primary outcomes but did increase the cognitive score in ApoE4 negative allele patients, patients with Alzheimers disease.
This led me to research ApoE4. I found a fascinating report about the negative effect of statins on memory written by Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Very simply put, statins reduce cholesterol. Cholesterol is good for the brain.
The bottom line seems to suggest taking algae-derived DHA supplements or eating oily or pelagic fish—those who live in the water column not at the bottom—three times weekly will greatly increase episodic memory and perhaps cognitive health for Alzheimer’s patients.
And, since eating a healthy diet high in DHA is an excellent way to maintain cardiovascular health, it could eliminate the need to take statins and their deleterious effect on memory.
Andrews, R. (n.d.) All About Algae Supplements | Precision Nutrition. (2009). Retrieved February 03, 2016, from http://www.precisionnutrition.com/all-about-algae
Salem, N., Vandal, M., & Calon, F. (2015). The benefit of docosahexaenoic acid for the adult brain in aging and dementia. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (PLEFA), 92, 15-22.
Seneff, S. (n.d.). APOE-4: The Clue to Why Low Fat Diet and Statins may Cause Alzheimer's. Retrieved February 03, 2016, from https://people.csail.mit.edu/seneff/alzheimers_statins.html