Omega gaps found in women with Alzheimer disease

Researchers report that women with Alzheimer disease have up to 20% lower unsaturated lipids in blood, a pattern not found in men.

Omega fatty acids lower in women with Alzheimer disease study finds

In the latest study, researchers analyzed blood lipids from 306 people with Alzheimer disease, 165 with mild cognitive impairment, and 370 cognitively healthy controls. They found that women with Alzheimer disease had higher levels of saturated lipids and lower levels of unsaturated lipids than cognitively healthy women, a pattern not seen in men.

The team suggests that liver or metabolic differences could limit omega fatty acids from reaching the brain, which may help explain brain changes in women. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids have long been linked to brain health, but omega-3 supplements have not reliably improved cognition in people with dementia. The researchers call for a clinical trial to test whether supplements could delay Alzheimer disease specifically in women with low unsaturated fats.

This study adds to the growing focus on sex differences in neurodegenerative disease. It raises questions about how metabolism, hormones, and liver function interact with brain aging, and it cautions against overreading a single biomarker.

For health messaging, the finding underscores the need for careful communication about diet and supplements. Any guidance should be evidence-based and inclusive, avoiding stigma toward women while supporting targeted research that could lead to personalized treatment in the future.

Highlights

Further research will determine if targeted nutrition can affect brain aging.