Abstract Details

Title Efficacy of Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation in Patients with Age-related Cognitive Decline, A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Topic Aging, Dementia, and Behavioral Neurology

Presentation(s) P4 - Poster Session 4 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 13-007

Objective To assess the efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation versus placebo in patients with age-related mild cognitive impairment (MCI), focusing on cognition and serum biomarkers.

Background Age-related MCI, in the absence of overt neurodegenerative disease, is an increasing public health concern due to its effects on function and quality of life. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid abundant in neuronal membranes, has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and synaptic roles, but evidence for its clinical benefit in MCI remains inconsistent.

Design/Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched up to September 2025. Eligible studies assessed MMSE, WAIS-RC subtests (IQ, Digit Span, Information, Arithmetic), serum DHA, amyloid-β 42/40, or geriatric depression scores. Data was pooled using a random-effects model (RevMan 5.4), with subgroup analyses at 3, 6, and 12 months. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics.

Results Nine trials including 1,381 participants (692 DHA, 689 placebo) were analyzed. DHA supplementation significantly increased serum DHA (MD 7.68, 95% CI 6.69–8.66; p<0.00001, I²=84%) and reduced amyloid-β 40 (MD −1.20, 95% CI −1.79 to −0.62; p<0.0001, I²=84%) and amyloid-β 42 (MD −3.15, 95% CI −3.50 to −2.79; p<0.00001, I²=71%). Subgroup analyses confirmed benefits at 6 and 12 months. <br bcx0"="">DHA improved overall IQ (MD 3.07, 95% CI 0.27–5.87; p=0.03, I²=96%) and Information subtest scores (MD 0.33, 95% CI 0.01–0.64; p=0.04, I²=97%). MMSE showed short-term benefit at 3 months (p=0.01) but no sustained effect (MD 0.78, p=0.07). Digit Span and Arithmetic showed no benefit, and depression scores were unaffected (p=0.88).

Conclusions DHA supplementation in age-related MCI improves serum DHA and lowers amyloid-β, with modest gains in selective cognitive domains. Global cognition, working memory, and mood remain unaffected. Further trials are needed to determine whether these biomarker changes translate into meaningful clinical outcomes.

Authors/Disclosures
Musa Masood, MBBS PRESENTER	Mr. Masood has nothing to disclose.
Saad Masood (Allama Iqbal Medical College)	Mr. Masood has nothing to disclose.
Muhammad Hamza Khalid, MBBS	Mr. Khalid has nothing to disclose.
Asna Moghis, MBBS	Ms. Moghis has nothing to disclose.
Abdul Wasay, MBBS	Mr. Wasay has nothing to disclose.
Noor Ullah U. Khan	Mr. Khan has nothing to disclose.
Sarah Zubair, MD	Dr. Zubair has nothing to disclose.
Huzaifa S. Nawaz, MBBS	Dr. Nawaz has nothing to disclose.
Hafiz Sohail Ashraf, MD	Dr. Ashraf has nothing to disclose.

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