Vetrivel Sengottuvel, Ph.D., a lead study author and senior research fellow with Duke-NUS, explained in a statement, “Loss of myelin sheaths occurs during the normal aging process and in neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.” According to the researchers, this isn’t just responsible for age-related diseases but also the general loss of physical and mental abilities in elderly people. Fortunately, this study presents a possible path to improving this age-related myelin decline. 

It showed that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in brain processes that build up myelin and preserve what’s already there. “This opens up potential avenues to develop therapies and dietary supplements based on [lysophosphatidylcholine] LPC omega-3 lipids that might help retain myelin in the aging brain—and possibly to treat patients with neurological disorders stemming from reduced myelination,” explained Sengottuvel. 

The results of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Next, the team of researchers is conducting preclinical studies to determine whether omega-3 supplements can help maintain or even improve brain myelination and cognitive function throughout the aging process.