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Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate relationships between self-reported physical activity, proportions of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn3) in erythrocyte content (percentage of total fatty acids) and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults.
Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Community-dwelling male and female (n = 84) participants over the age of 65 years with and without MCI were tested for erythrocyte proportions of the LCn3s eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Physical activity was measured using a validated questionnaire.
Results: The interaction between erythrocyte EPA, but not DHA, and increased physical activity was associated with increased odds of a non-MCI classification.
Conclusion: An interaction between physical activity and erythrocyte EPA content (percentage of fatty acids) significantly predicted MCI status in older adults. Randomised control trials are needed to examine the potential for supplementation with EPA in combination with increased physical activity to mitigate the risk of MCI in ageing adults.
Acknowledgements
This project was supported by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant in partnership with Novasel Australia under grant LP0776922. The authors acknowledge the assistance of all participants, plus the assistance of Deanne Armstrong at QUT. N. P. (formerly Sinn). Catherine Milte, Jonathan Buckley, and Peter Howe designed the original research project; Steven John Street contributed to the design with inclusion additional measures (LAPAQ and LSNS); Steven John Street, Natalie Parletta, and Catherine Milte conducted the research. Steven John Street analysed the data and prepared the manuscript. All authors read, edited and approved the final manuscript. We declare no conflicts of interest.