title: n-3 LCPUFA improves cognition: the young, the old and the sick.
abstract: Due to the implication of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, neurite outgrowth and to its high incorporation into the brain, this n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) is considered as crucial in the development and maintenance of the learning memory performance throughout life. In the present chapter we aimed at reviewing data investigating the relation between DHA and cognition during the perinatal period, young adult- and adulthood and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease (AD). In Humans, dietary DHA supplementation from the perinatal period to adulthood does not reveal a clear and consistent memory improvement whereas it is the case in animal studies. The positive effects observed in animal models may have been enhanced by using n-3 PUFA deficient animal models as controls. In animal models of AD, a general consensus on the beneficial effects of n-3 LCPUFA in attenuating cognitive impairment was established. These studies make DHA a potential suitable micronutrient for the maintenance of cognitive performance at all periods of life.
authors.affiliation: Université Bordeaux, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France. Electronic address: corinne.joffre@bordeaux.inra.fr.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Joffre
authors.affiliation: Université Bordeaux, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France. Electronic address: agnes.nadjar@u-bordeaux2.fr.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nadjar
authors.affiliation: Centre de Recherche du CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, T2-05, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 4G2. Electronic address: meryem.lebbadi@crchul.ulaval.ca.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lebbadi
authors.affiliation: Centre de Recherche du CHUL, Axe Neurosciences, T2-05, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 4G2. Electronic address: frederic.calon@crchul.ulaval.ca.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Calon
authors.affiliation: Université Bordeaux, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INRA, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR 1286, F-33000 Bordeaux, France. Electronic address: sophie.laye@bordeaux.inra.fr.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Laye
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids
keywords: Adult; Alzheimer׳s disease; Cognition; Docosahexaenoic acid; Memory; Perinatal