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.
Who can participate
Age range75 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion criteria
✓. Non-demented or mild cognitive impairment, defined as Clinical Dementia Rating =0 or 0.5 and MMSE \>=24.
✓. Age 75 and older, male and female
✓. Total WMH volume ≥ 5 cc
✓. Plasma PUFA index (EPA + DHA) \< 110 ug/ml or \< 5.5 weight percent
✓. Sufficient English language skills to complete all tests
✓. Geriatric Depression Scale - 15 \< 6 documenting absence of a significant depressive syndrome
✓. Sufficient vision and hearing to complete all tests
✓. Informant available with frequent (at least 1 hour/day or 1 day/week) contact with subject to verify functional status and CDR rating
Exclusion criteria
✕. Any dementing illness (AD, vascular dementia, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or Parkinson's disease); dementia defined by CDR ≥ 1, MMSE \< 24
✕. Significant disease of the CNS such as brain tumor, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, cranial arteritis
✕. Alcohol or substance abuse according to DSM-IV criteria within the last 2 years
✕. Major depression, schizophrenia, or other major psychiatric disorder defined by DSM-IV criteria