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Cognitive decline and early signs of depression in elderly people: the efficacy of n-3 fatty acid supplementation

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Samenvatting van de aanvraag

Cognitive decline and impaired mental well-being are strong risk factors for the development of dementia and depression, respectively, which are amongst the most frequent disorders in the elderly. Moreover, prevalences are likely to increase, as the population of older people is growing rapidly and more people survive into very old age. Thus, it is of major importance that preventive strategies are directed at these preclinical conditions in order to counteract the deterioration of mental health. In this respect the proposed prevention trial focusses on one of the modifiable lifestyle factors -diet-, in particular on the role of n-3 fatty acids in mental health. According to animal studies and epidemiological research in middle-aged and elderly people polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (EPA and DHA) have a beneficial effect on cognitive performance and mental well-being. Despite the biological plausibility and epidemiological evidence for effects on cognitive function and depression, the efficacy of supplementation with n-3 fatty acids is yet to be demonstrated in properly designed studies. The proposed study aims to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the effect of EPA-DHA supplementation (in different doses) on mental health in a randomised placebo-controlled trial in elderly people without clinical dementia or depression, but with the milder, still transient conditions. Furthermore, we aim to pave the way to implementation of the trial results by discussing findings emerging from the proposed research with representatives of several key areas (e.g. policy-makers, research workers, nutritionists, gerontologists, psychologists, (public) health workers and dissemination platforms and the elderly themselves). :

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Kenmerken

Projectnummer:
61000004
Looptijd: 100%
Looptijd: 100 %
2005
2009
Onderdeel van programma:
Projectleider en penvoerder:
Prof. dr. ir. C.P.G.M. Groot
Verantwoordelijke organisatie:
Wageningen Universiteit