Effect of a 4-Month Exercise Training and Omega-3 Supplementation on Memory in Elderly Women: Preliminary Results

Background: Age-related cognitive decline is common worldwide and contributes to dependence, lower quality of life and disability in the elderly (Itua and Naderali 2010, Lojko et al. 2015). Therefore, lifelong development and preventive measures are of high importance. Many modifiable factors have been studied in relation to cognitive function in the elderly. Regular physical activity (PA) is a significant factor positively influencing cognitive functions as was confirmed by a series of studies. The protective role of nutrients in the development of dementia, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and specific dietary patterns was reported as well. However, a combined effect of PA and omega-3 supplementation on cognitive functions has not been studied yet.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess changes in short-term memory after a four-month exercise training only or in a combination with omega-3 supplementation. This study was a part of EXODYA (Effect of EXercise training and Omega-3 fatty acids on metabolic health and DYsfunction of Adipose tissue in elderly) research project (nr. AZV 16-29182A).

Method: Twenty-three healthy women of age 65-80 were enrolled to the study in the first year. They were assigned to an exercise plus supplementation group and to an exercise only group (placebo supplementation). The exercise intervention program contained functional circuit training (twice a week, 45 min plus 15 min of stretching and balance training) and Nordic walking (once a week, 60 min) for 16 weeks. Memory was assessed by the POBAV (PICNIC) test of naming and recalling 20 pictures, both before and after the intervention program.

Results: The preliminary results of the 23 subjects showed a statistically significant improvement of short-term memory (mean no. of recalled pictures: 10.35±2.9 vs. 11.74±2.6, p˂0.05) after the four-month program. The group with exercise and omega-3 had greater improvement (10.3±3.4 vs 12.1±2.5) comparing to the exercise only (placebo) group (10.4±1.9 vs. 11.1±2.8).

Discussion and Conclusions: Understanding the benefits of physical activity and diet quality in older age is central to considerations of future public health strategies to promote better physical function and health in later life. Previous research has described that long-term exercise training improves cognitive functions in healthy elderly people (Nouchi et al. 2014). The combined effect of exercise and omega-3 supplementation seems to be promising in prevention of age-related decline in memory. However, the exercise only group had only eight subjects and data showed great inter- and intra-individual variability. Further research is needed to confirm these results.