Omega fatty acid levels lower in women with Alzheimer's, study finds

Women should ensure they are getting enough omega fatty acids in their diets after researchers found unusually low levels of the compounds in women with Alzheimer's disease.

- Ian Sample

An analysis of blood samples from Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals revealed levels of unsaturated fats, such as those containing omega fatty acids, were as much as 20% lower in women with the disease. The low levels were not seen in men with Alzheimer's, suggesting there may be sex differences in how the disease takes hold and affects a person's physiology.

"The difference between the sexes was the most shocking and unexpected finding," said Dr Cristina Legido-Quigley, a senior author on the study at King's College London. "There's an indication that having less of these compounds could be causal in Alzheimer's, but we need a clinical trial to confirm that."

Alzheimer's disease is twice as common in women as it is in men. Factors including women's longer average lifespan and differences in hormones, immune responses and educational opportunities can all play a role in the development of the disease.