title: [Contribution of omega-3 fatty acids for memory and cognitive function].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A decline in memory and cognitive function is considered to be a normal consequence of aging. Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are increasingly proposed as dietary supplements with the ability to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of omega-3 on cognitive decline through the review of recent observational, interventional, and experimental studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane and Embase search for epidemiological and clinical studies in the international literature using combinations of the following keywords: "Alzheimer's disease", "mild cognitive impairment", "cognitive function", "dietary factors", "omega-3 fatty acids", "EPA and DHA".
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Studies have shown the protective role of omega-3 fatty acids in mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of omega-3 fatty acids on cognition. Doses, composition of EPA and DHA capsules and time of supplementation should be explored.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Gastroenterología de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de São Paulo.. dan@ganep.com.br.
authors.forename: Dan L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Waitzberg
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio de Investigación Médica LIM 35 - FMUSP. Brasil.. prigarla@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Priscila
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Garla
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3