The study, published online in The FASEB Journal, has found that the omega-3s found in fish oil could improve the function of the glymphatic system, which aids in the clearing waste from the brain. In the long run, this could promote the clearance of metabolites including that play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. The team used lab mice in order to better understand the connection between omega-3s and brain waste. They noted that lab mice with higher levels of omega-3a had less brain waste buildup than wild mice with normal levels of the nutrient. Later, when the scientists gave wild mice fish oil supplements, they found that their brain waste clearance was higher than wild mice who were not given supplements.
Although the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not clear, scientists believe that the buildup of tau protein in the brain causes the formation of “plaques” in the brain, which block connections between neurons. This plaque may contribute to many of Alzheimer’s cognitive symptoms. Current research into possible treatments for Alzheimer’s are aimed at preventing and even reducing this plaque buildup.