A new study published in the “Alzheimer’s News Today” reveals that Unsaturated Fatty Acids in the brain could cause the illness. Previously, it was thought that Alzheimer's disease is caused by two big molecules in the brain, tau and amyloid. Scientists now prove that omega-3 and omega-6 are associated with the progression of the disease. These fatty acids accumulate in the brain two weeks prior to the onset of illness. So far, there is limited information on how small proteins and fatty acids in the brain are associated with the development of other neurogenerative disorders.
Professor Cristina Legido Quigley at King's College London says that he will soon study the effects of fatty acids and proteins on Alzheimer's. He aims to publish the findings in the journal “PLOS Medicine” by the end of this year.
Impaired memory
Doctor Cristina Legido Quigley believes that all synthetic proteins and fatty acids cause impaired memory. Omega-3 and omega-6 damage neurons, leading to death. He says about 12 million people suffer from the illness worldwide. The number of patients is estimated to rise to 20 million by 2050. In this study, researchers say it is important to find out the role of fatty acids in the body. Previously, Cristina collected blood samples from 40 people ranging in age from 20 to 50 years old.
He divided participants into three groups. One group of adults had a high level of tau and amyloid but did not show memory problems. Legido Quigley says it is important to diagnose patients as the disease could cause impaired memory.
The future of this research
Professor will soon find out how fats and proteins increase the risk of Alzheimer's.
He conducted an experiment and the results show omega-3 increases the progression of the disease. He examines several genetic, environmental, and lifestyle causes of the illness. Cristina will soon find out the key brain regions involved in the development of Alzheimer's. Researcher is working hard to understand what causes Alzheimer's and how fatty acids affect patients in the US. He collaborates with Madhav Thambisetty at the National Institute on Aging to study 100 different fatty acid metabolites in the brain tissues.
