USC study finds high-dose DHA fish oil does not improve memory

Researchers at the University of Southern California conducted a two-year clinical trial involving 365 adults aged 55 to 80 who were at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study found that high-dose DHA fish oil supplements did not significantly improve memory or cognitive function in these participants.

Although DHA levels in the fluid surrounding the brain rose by 17% after six months, researchers found no measurable cognitive advantage or protection against shrinkage of the brain’s memory-related hippocampus.

These findings apply to adults at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

This study was first reported by the University of Southern California.

For Indian-origin adults considering fish oil for cognitive health, this study indicates that high-dose DHA did not improve memory or protect against brain shrinkage over two years.