3 replies to this topic

[Skötkonung]

Today, I read the following:

Is there an appropriate strategy to reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's? Population studies have shown that people more than 85 years old who eat fish have a 40 percent smaller risk of developing Alzheimer's. Other research has shown that the brains of Alzheimer's patients have 30 percent less DHA than the brains of healthy individuals. In data from the landmark Framingham Heart Study, those patients who had lower levels of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had a 67 percent greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. In fact, supplementation with DHA seems to improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients, according to one intervention study. More ominous is that those individuals who consume the most Omega-6 fatty acids have a 250% increase in the development of Alzheimer's. Remember it is the over-consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids (such as those found in common vegetable oils) that leads to an increase in arachidonic acid formation that leads to the increase of inflammation.

Given that most nuts, seeds, and animal fats contain Omega-6 fats, does living on a high-fat paleo style diet predispose someone to a greater risk of alzheimer's disease?

[stephen_b]

All that discussion about the omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds possibly being bad for your heart is unfounded, a new science advisory from the American Heart Association claims.

From a Washington Post article.

My instinct would be to say that PUFA vegetable oils are best avoided, but I'm fine with eating whole nuts.

StephenB

Edited by stephen_b, 04 February 2009 - 01:42 AM.

[Mind]

Most epidemiological studies I have seen correlate nut intake with good health. One recent nut discussion at Imminst.

[niner]

Is there an appropriate strategy to reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's? Population studies have shown that people more than 85 years old who eat fish have a 40 percent smaller risk of developing Alzheimer's. Other research has shown that the brains of Alzheimer's patients have 30 percent less DHA than the brains of healthy individuals. In data from the landmark Framingham Heart Study, those patients who had lower levels of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood had a 67 percent greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer's. In fact, supplementation with DHA seems to improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients, according to one intervention study. More ominous is that those individuals who consume the most Omega-6 fatty acids have a 250% increase in the development of Alzheimer's. Remember it is the over-consumption of Omega-6 fatty acids (such as those found in common vegetable oils) that leads to an increase in arachidonic acid formation that leads to the increase of inflammation.

The study from the AHA that stephen_b posted says that you need some omega-6 for heart health. This study says that too much omega-6 raises risk of Alzheimer's. These are not necessarily inconsistent. Neither talk about ratios of omega-3 to omega-6, at least not in the popular press reports, but that is probably important. I like nuts, I take fish oil, and I try to limit my exposure to PUFA vegetable oils. I'd rather have a heart attack than Alzheimer's, but ideally it would be neither.