Three foods found to slow serious health conditions - including dementia and motor neuron disease

Scientists may have uncovered a powerful ally in the fight against motor neurone disease (MND) and a form of dementia - and it's found in many health foods.

While previous research has suggested that a diet rich in omega-3s could reduce the risk of developing MND and even extend the lifespan of those diagnosed, the reason behind this link remained unclear. Now, a study led by the UK Dementia Research Institute and the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing has shed new light on the connection.

The research found that these essential fats, commonly found in oily fish, nuts, and seeds, may directly influence the progression of the disease and potentially improve survival rates.

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In their latest research, scientists explored the effects of increasing healthy fat levels in the brain cells of fruit flies carrying a genetic mutation linked to motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). They also examined human brain cells to uncover potential parallels.

The mutation, known as C9orf72, is the most common genetic cause of MND and FTD, a rarer form of dementia that typically affects younger individuals.

At the start of the study, researchers discovered that levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s, were significantly lower in flies with the mutation. A similar reduction was observed in the brain cells of people with MND and FTD.

The study focused on two key fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 found in flaxseed, walnuts, and soybean and canola oils, and linoleic acid, an omega-6 present in many of the same foods. To test their impact on survival, the researchers fed the affected flies diets enriched with these fatty acids.

The study revealed that increasing dietary fatty acids led to a modest improvement in the flies’ survival. However, when researchers delivered the fatty acids directly to their brain cells, survival rates saw a dramatic boost, rising by 83 percent, from 15 days to 27.5 days.

To further validate their findings, the team conducted the same experiment using cells taken from people with MND and FTD. Once again, increasing fatty acid levels in the cells extended their survival.

The research, funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and the UK Dementia Research Institute, has been published in Nature Neuroscience.

Professor Adrian Isaacs, who led the study at the UK Dementia Research Institute, highlighted the significance of the findings, explaining: “Epidemiological studies suggest that people with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of developing motor neurone disease.

“Our study adds a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind this. From our findings, we can conclude that enhancing levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may be beneficial in motor neurone disease. Of course, the next step is to test this in people.

“We first need to work out which specific fatty acid would be best to test in humans, and how we can deliver sufficient quantities to the brain. Then, we want to take these findings forward into a clinical trial.”

The research could also have wider implications for other neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, emphasised the urgency of tackling these conditions.

“With nearly one million people living with dementia in the UK, there is an urgent need to understand and treat the diseases that cause this condition, including rarer forms,” she said.

“Neurodegenerative diseases are complex, however some share similar genetic changes. This means that understanding how these changes affect the brain could ultimately lead to new treatment approaches for dementia.

“It is exciting to see findings which suggest that increasing levels of fatty acids, including omega-3, could be protective against motor neurone disease and frontotemporal dementia.

“We are excited to see the next steps for this research which we hope will play a key role in bringing us closer to a cure.”

The study comes as the impact of MND continues to be felt across the UK. Last year, Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league legend Rob Burrow died from the disease. His family received an outpouring of support following his passing, including a heartfelt message from the Prince of Wales.

Motor neurone disease (MND), including its most common form, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), impacts approximately one in 300 individuals during their lifetime and currently has no cure.

Dr Nick Cole, head of research at the MND Association, shared insights on the potential benefits of healthy fats, such as polyunsaturated fats like omega-3s. He stated, “The potential impact of healthy fats on the risk of developing MND and the length of survival has been of interest to researchers for some time, but crucially the understanding of their impact has been limited. This research takes our knowledge a step further.”

He posed an important question: “Would giving people with MND the same type of fatty acid increase their survival rate? We don’t know yet. But it is an avenue worth exploring.”

Dr Cole emphasised the need for further research to determine which fatty acids should be tested, the effective quantities, and the best methods of administration before moving forward with clinical trials.

“We hope that further research and testing in humans will paint a clearer picture of the impact of diet on MND and other neurodegenerative diseases,” he added.