Beneficial effects of docosahexaenoic acid-enriched milk beverage intake on cognitive function in healthy elderly Japanese: A 12-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Recent approaches to the management of dementia have focused mainly on continual preventive treatment. In this study, we investigated whether intake of 297 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 137 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per day, which is a smaller amount than in previous reports, would maintain higher cognitive function in healthy elderly people. Eighty-seven participants were enrolled in this 12-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Cognitive function test, blood biochemical analysis and anthropometry were conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 months of DHA beverage intake. Intake of DHA-enriched milk beverage for 6 and 12 months significantly increased erythrocyte plasma membrane DHA and EPA levels. Furthermore, intake of DHA-enriched milk beverage for 12 months protected against age-related cognitive decline. The preventive mechanism of this small amount of DHA is not known. Thus, further investigation is needed to reveal the mechanism underlying its role in cognitive function.