A recently published study suggests that a diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can cause the brain to age faster and lose some of its memory and thinking abilities.
More than 1500 dementia-free study participants, with an average age of 67 years, underwent MRI scans and mental function tests. Those with DHA and omega-3 index (EPA and DHA) levels in the bottom quartile had lower brain volume compared to individuals with higher omega-3 levels. Those in the bottom quartile also scored lower on tests for visual memory, executive function and abstract thinking.
Furthermore, these individuals were revealed to have poorer blood supply to their brains.

Tan ZS, Harris WS, Beiser AS, et al. Red blood cell -3 fatty acid levels and markers of accelerated brain aging. Neurology 2012;78(9):658-64.

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