The effects of omega-3, DHA, EPA, Souvenaid® in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors

Ernesto Calderon Martinez, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Stephin Zachariah Saji, Our Lady of Fatima University
Jonathan Victor Salazar Ore, Universidad de Buenos Aires
Omar A. Borges-Sosa, Indiana University Bloomington

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Neuropsychopharmacology Reports

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3-PUFA) are essential to normal neural development and function. Souvenaid®, a medical supplement that contains n-3-PUFA's: eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has emerged as an alternative, slowing cognitive decline in AD patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with n-3-PUFA, EPA, DHA, and Souvenaid® in AD patients. Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to establish the relationship between n-3-PUFA, EPA, DHA, and Souvenaid® with cognitive effects, ventricular volume and adverse events in AD patients. Methods: A systematic search of randomized control trials (RCT), cohorts, and case–control studies was done in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase for AD adult patients with dietary supplementation with n-3-PUFA, EPA, DHA, or Souvenaid® between 2003 and 2024. Results: We identified 14 studies with 2766 subjects aligned with our criteria. Most publications described positive cognitive outcomes from supplements (58%). The most common adverse events reported were gastrointestinal symptoms. CDR scale showed reduced progression of cognitive decline (SMD = −0.4127, 95% CI: [−0.5926; −0.2327]), without subgroup differences between different dietary supplement interventions. ADCS-ADL, MMSE, ADAS-cog, adverse events, and ventricular volume did not demonstrate significant differences. However, Souvenaid® showed a significant negative effect (SMD = −0.3593, 95% CI: −0.5834 to −0.1352) in ventricular volumes. Conclusions: The CDR scale showed reduced progression of cognitive decline among patients with n-3-PUFA supplemental interventions, with no differences between different n-3-PUFA supplements.

First Page

545

Last Page

556

DOI

10.1002/npr2.12455

Publication Date

9-1-2024

Recommended Citation

Calderon Martinez, Ernesto; Zachariah Saji, Stephin; Salazar Ore, Jonathan Victor; and Borges-Sosa, Omar A., "The effects of omega-3, DHA, EPA, Souvenaid® in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis" (2024). Open Access archive. 10141.
https://impressions.manipal.edu/open-access-archive/10141