DHA and Neurocognitive Function

Dear Colleagues,

Docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6 n-3 (DHA) is essential for normal healthy brain development, maintenance, and function. In fact, DHA is, quantitatively, the most major fatty acid in the brain. The brain maintains its fatty acid levels via the uptake of plasma free fatty acids. Circulating DHA is significantly related to cognitive abilities during aging and is inversely associated with cognitive decline. Animal studies strongly suggest that dietary deficiency of DHA increases the risk for neurocognitive disorders and that diets enriched with DHA increase learning and memory is protected against cognitive decline during aging. However, whether increased intake of DHA can decrease the risk of brain disorders requires further research. DHA increases serotonin receptor accessibility by increasing membrane fluidity. Studies have observed that a diet characterized by higher intakes of foods high in n‐3 fatty acids, and a lower intake of foods high in n‐6 fatty acids, were strongly associated with a lower Alzheimer’s Disease and other brain disorders. Epidemiological studies support a strong link between low habitual intake of DHA and a higher risk of brain disorders. Supplementation of DHA improves some behaviors associated with ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior, as well as cognition. Nevertheless, the outcomes of trials with DHA supplementation have been controversial. Although many intervention studies with DHA have shown an apparent benefit, larger clinical trials are required for definitive conclusions. Many studies have shown that DHA metabolism and its signaling systems are involved in neurogenesis, anti‐nociceptive effects, anti‐apoptotic effect, synaptic plasticity, Ca²⁺ homeostasis in brain diseases, and in the functioning of nigrostriatal pathways. Several metabolites of DHA are also involved in several processes, but full mechanisms are not yet known. Dietary deficiency of n‐3 fatty acids during development in utero and in the postnatal state has detrimental effects on cognitive abilities. Further research in humans is required to assess a variety of clinical outcomes, including quality of life and mental status, by supplementation of DHA.

The objective of this Special Issue on “DHA and Neurocognitive Function” is to showcase the latest research focusing on DHA and its uptake, and metabolism in the brain and signaling systems, mechanisms of action, neuroprotective effects, DHA and brain disorders, dietary intake of DHA and mental health, meta-analyses of intervention studies with DHA on mental health and disorders, and brain growth and development.

The Special Issue is intended to provide a contemporary summary of current knowledge, while providing guidance for future research in the field.

Prof. Asim K. Duttaroy
Guest Editor

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