Brain scans can help identify changes that appear to increase risk for cognitive decline and dementia. Some of these brain changes are thought to reflect actual damage to the small blood vessels that support normal brain function. This clinical trial will determine whether an omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) therapy can promote brain health by supporting the small blood vessels in the brain over 3 years in older adults at high risk for cognitive decline and dementia of Alzheimer's type.
The main objective of this study is to determine if omega 3 PUFA can slow the accumulation of brain MRI derived white matter hyper-intensities (WMH) over 3 years in a population at risk for dementia. This trial is designed to collect preliminary data into the mechanism by which PUFA therapy operates on the brain with special attention to the vascular components. The randomized, double-blind and controlled trial will rigorously test PUFA effects versus a placebo in non-demented elders over 3 years. This biomarker based trial will enroll 100 elders. Aim 1 will assess PUFA effects on neuroimaging parameter changes. Aim 2 will assess PUFA effects on blood-based biomarkers of endothelial health, and Aim 3 will collect preliminary data on PUFA effects on neuropsychological and functional parameters with special attention to the executive and speed of processing skills and gait speed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
102
fish oil concentrate standardized to long chain n-3 PUFA content
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States
total cerebral white matter hyperintensity volume
quantitative MRI
Time frame: annual over 3 years
biomarkers of endothelial health
blood based
Time frame: annual over 3 years
total brain atrophy
quantitative MRI
Time frame: annual over 3 years
medial temporal lobe atrophy
quantitative MRI
Time frame: annual over 3 years
ventricular expansion
quantitative MRI
Time frame: annual over 3 years
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