Many Americans take fish oil to help their memory as they get older. Scientists at the University of Southern California studied 365 people aged 55 to 80. These people rarely ate fish. They also had a higher chance of getting Alzheimer's disease. This disease affects memory and thinking. The study lasted two years.
One group took fish oil every day. It contained 2,000 milligrams of DHA, a type of fat. This fat helps brain cells work and send messages. The other group took a pill with no active treatment. Neither the people nor the scientists knew who took fish oil. After six months, the amount of DHA in the liquid around the brain and spinal cord rose by 17% on average in the fish oil group. But after two years, this group did no better on memory and thinking tests. Fish oil also did not stop a part of the brain important for memory from getting smaller.
The results do not mean that people do not need these fats or that fish has no health benefits. The scientists recommend regular exercise, good sleep and healthy, balanced meals. They are also studying how the brain uses these fats.
