Walnuts are a good source (Image: Westend61 via Getty Images)
Omega-3 fats, found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, could be a crucial weapon in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND) and a certain type of dementia, according to fresh research. The study, spearheaded by the UK Dementia Research Institute and the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing, discovered that these fats can impact these conditions and potentially enhance survival rates.
Previous research has associated high consumption of omega-3 fatty acids with a reduced risk of MND and an extended lifespan for those living with the condition. However, the reasons behind this have 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 team discovered 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 and soybean and vegetable oils such as canola oil. They also studied linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid, found in similar foods.
Walnuts are packed with good stuff (Image: Pexels)
Exciting new research, published in the esteemed journal Nature Neuroscience, shows that increasing the amount of fatty acids can potentially improve survival rates among flies – and possibly humans – suffering from motor neuron disease (MND). Scientists fed flies with linoleic acid and alpha-linoleic acid, noting a modest boost in fly lifespan.
When they administered these fatty acids directly to brain cells, the flies’ survival shot up by a tremendous 83%, from an average of 15 days to 27.5 days. The team replicated the experiment using cells from individuals with MND/FTD and observed prolonged cell survival upon raising fatty acid levels.
This groundbreaking study, backed by funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK and the UK Dementia Research Institute, lends weight to previous epidemiological data indicating that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids could diminish the risk of developing motor neuron diseases. According to the study’s lead, Professor Adrian Isaacs of the UK Dementia Research Institute: “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.”
A new study has found omega-3 which is found in oily fish could help motor neurone disease patients (PA) (Image: PA)
The implications of these findings extend beyond the laboratory; as Professor Isaacs explains, the next logical step is to transition from bench to bedside: “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.”
But before human trials can commence, the team must identify the optimal fatty acid and devise a method to administer it effectively to the human brain, aiming eventually towards clinical trial execution. The researchers also propose that their discoveries could be relevant to other neurodegenerative afflictions.
Dr Julia Dudley, chief of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, highlighted the critical necessity to delve into dementia’s underlying diseases: “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.”
She expressed optimism about new findings: “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.”
Last year saw the tragic passing of MND advocate and legendary Leeds Rhinos and England rugby league star , whose death from MND was met with an outpouring of public support. His family received numerous messages of condolence, with a notably “heartfelt” message arriving from the Prince of Wales.
With no known cure, MND, including its most prevalent form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has an impact on roughly one out of every 300 individuals during their lifetime.