Principal Investigator: Christoforos Giannaki
Affiliation: School of Sciences and Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia.
Aims and Objectives
- Ageing is associated with a number of detrimental effects which may lead to significant impairments in various health and functional capacity parameters and a decline in cognitive functions. According to the literature, polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6 free fatty acids have been reported to induce favourable adaptations in older people. On the other hand, evidence also exists for potential benefits of anti-oxidant vitamins of the cognitive function in elders.
- The main aim of the proposed project was to examine the effects of a 6 month supplementation of a formula containing omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and anti-oxidant vitamins of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with vitamins (PLP10). It was assumed plausible to believe that the 6 month supplementation of this particular formula would result in significant enhancements of the functional capacity and various parameters related to the well-being and quality of life. In addition, if the examined intervention could stop cognitive decline with or without improvements in cognitive function, this would contribute to the existing research in terms of preventing Alzheimer disease and dementia.
Outcomes - Summary
This study investigated potential effects of a novel approach to omega fatty acids and anti-oxidants supplementation for the elderly. Physiologically, aging is associated with declines in functional capacity and cognitive function. As this study showed, older adults with cognitive impairment demonstrate poorer functional capacity, whereas high levels of functional capacity are associated with improved cognitive function and general well-being. In the present study, 6 months of the proposed supplementation showed a favorable effect as both functional capacity and cognitive function improved significantly. In conclusion, the proposed novel approach of omega fatty acids and antioxidant supplementation appears promising for reducing cognitive decline and frailty in the elderly.