Volunteers aged between 55 and 90 are needed to take part in a study run by the University of Bristol to find out if Omega-3 fatty acids can help people with memory disorders. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, fish oil and some vegetable sources. Our bodies do not make these oils, so we need to get them from food or supplements. Scientists from the University of Bristol’s Department of Experimental Psychology believe that Omega-3 fatty acid supplements could be beneficial in preventing or helping people with memory disorders. 

The project leader, Professor Peter Rogers said, “There is good evidence to suggest that Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain development. Fish, especially oily fish, and Omega-3 fatty acids are also generally believed to protect against declining memory and thinking skills. However, more research is needed to investigate these ideas. We would like to test out this proposed link between Omega-3 fatty acids and memory, so if you are someone with worsening memory, or you know of someone with memory problems, we would be very interested to hear from you.”

Volunteers will be asked to attend one screening appointment and, if eligible, three study appointments over a four-month period. The University of Bristol will cover all travel expenses and transport can be arranged if necessary. Each appointment will last approximately 1-2 hours. All suitable participants will be asked to take the treatment tablets for a period of 4 months. At each appointment, participants will be asked for a blood sample and to complete a series of assessments and questionnaires to assess their memory and thinking skills. 

Emphasising the importance of the research, Professor Rogers said, “A study focusing on the benefits by increasing Omega-3 fatty acids through supplementation in the older adult population is absolutely crucial if we are to discover whether Omega-3 fatty acids have a useful role to play in the prevention of memory loss. If initial investigations are successful, the findings will be followed up by further diet supplement studies.”

For further information on how to join this study please contact Michelle Brown on 0117 9374663,  or email: michelle.brown@bristol.ac.uk.