Omega-3 fats, found in foods like oily fish, nuts and seeds, could play a crucial role in protecting individuals from motor neurone disease (MND) and a certain type of dementia, according to recent research. The study, led by the UK Dementia Research Institute and the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing, discovered that these fats influence these conditions and could potentially enhance survival rates.
Previous research has associated high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids with a reduced risk of developing MND and an extended lifespan for those diagnosed with the disease. However, the reasons behind this correlation remained unclear until now.
In this latest study, scientists boosted the levels of healthy fats in the brain cells of fruit flies carrying a genetic mutation known as C9orf72, while also studying human brain cells. This mutation is the most common genetic cause of MND and a less common form of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which typically affects younger individuals.
The researchers observed that at the beginning of the study, levels of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 fatty acids, were significantly lower in the MND/FTD flies. These fatty acids were also diminished in the brain cells of people with MND/FTD.
The experts specifically examined alpha linoleic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in flaxseed, walnuts, soybean and vegetable oils such as canola oil. They also studied linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, found in similar foods.
Researchers conducted an experiment where they fed flies linoleic acid and alpha linoleic acid to investigate the impact on their survival rates. The results showed that increasing the fatty acid content in their diet led to a modest improvement in the flies’ survival.
Taking it a step further, the scientists directly administered the fatty acids to the brain cells of the flies, which significantly increased their survival rate by 83%, extending their lifespan from 15 days to 27.5 days. This experiment was then replicated using cells from individuals with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), yielding similar results where increased fatty acid levels in the cells led to prolonged survival. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, received funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK and the UK Dementia Research Institute.
Professor Adrian Isaacs, the study’s lead researcher from the UK Dementia Research Institute, commented: “Epidemiological studies suggest that people with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of developing motor neuron disease. Our study adds a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind this.
“From our findings we can conclude that enhancing levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may be beneficial in motor neuron disease. Of course, the next step is to test this in people.”
The research team emphasized the need to determine the most suitable fatty acid for human testing and to develop a method for delivering sufficient quantities to the brain. Following this, they plan to proceed with a clinical trial.
Additionally, the researchers believe these findings could have implications for other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Julia Dudley, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, highlighted the critical necessity for progress in understanding dementia, saying: “With nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK, there is an urgent need to understand and treat the diseases that cause this condition, including rarer forms. Neurodegenerative diseases are complex, however some share similar genetic changes.
“This means that understanding how these changes affect the brain could ultimately lead to new treatment approaches for dementia. It is exciting to see findings which suggest that increasing levels of fatty acids, including omega-3 could be protective against motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. We are excited to see the next steps for this research which we hope will play a key role in bringing us closer to a cure.”
The reality of these diseases was brought into sharp focus last year as Rob Burrow, an MND campaigner and celebrated Leeds Rhinos, Great Britain and England rugby league star, sadly passed away due to MND. In response to his passing, his family received a flood of supportive messages, including a “heartfelt” one from the Prince of Wales.
MND, notably its most common subtype amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has a lifetime risk for approximately one in 300 people and remains incurable.