Fishing for Cognitive Health

For the past several years, scientists believed that the fatty acids found in fish oil help protect the human brain from the type of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Now, Louisiana State University researchers think they know why that is.

They have found that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) reduces levels of a protein known to cause damaging plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The researchers also learned that the human brain actually makes its own form of DHA, which they call neuroprotectin D1.

"Obviously, diet is a major issue here," Dr. Nicolas G. Bazan, director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, told The New York Times. "DHA is an essential building block for the structure of brain cells. And now we are finding that this building block also makes a 'golden brick' (neuroprotectin D1) that helps the life of the neurons to continue."

Omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA, are found primarily in cold-water fish such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, and salmon. Ask your doctor about incorporating more fish into your diet.