Omega 3 DHA Protects Against Parkinsons, Huntingtons, Alzheimers

Dietary Omega 3 fatty acid (specifically DHA) protects against a genetic mutation causing degeneration of the nervous system, according to new research. Researchers at Louisiana State University Research Center found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects against diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s by preventing misfolding of brain proteins, a cellular error linked to a heritable gene.
This misfolding results in tangled protein clumps that cannot be properly processed by brain cells, ultimately becoming toxic enough to kill surrounding cells. Spinocerebellar Ataxia can appear early in life as a result of this genetic error, adversely affecting speech, eye movement and hand co-ordination. The LSU team showed DHA protecting against this disease.

Neuroprotectin D1 is a naturally occurring brain molecule derived from DHA that promotes brain cell survival. The LSU researchers suggested that enhanced dietary DHA not only prevents disease but promotes rescue of dying brain cells. They concluded that DHA may benefit patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Parkinson’s and some forms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Individuals who are celiac or gluten intolerant may be more subject to these disorders because of intestinal damage caused by unbroken (improperly digested) proteins from gluten and casein. Damaged intestinal villi found in gluten intolerant individuals leads to poor absorption of long chain fatty acids such as DHA, with resulting vulnerability to neurodegenerative brain changes.

Traditional food sources of DHA includes fatty fish such as butterfish, wild Alaskan salmon and sardines. Algaes are a primary food source of DHA, for fish as well as humans.