Omega-3 supplementation and loneliness-related memory problems: secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial

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#adult #aged #aged-80-and-over #dietary-supplements #fatty-acids-omega-3

Omega-3 supplementation and loneliness-related memory problems: secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial

Jaremka et al., 2014 | Psychosom Med | Rct

Citation

Jaremka Lisa M, Derry Heather M, ... Kiecolt-Glaser Janice K. Omega-3 supplementation and loneliness-related memory problems: secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial. Psychosom Med. 2014-Oct;76(8):650-8. doi:10.1097/PSY.0000000000000104

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Loneliness enhances risk for episodic memory declines over time. Omega-3 supplementation can improve cognitive function for people experiencing mild cognitive difficulties. Accordingly, we explored whether omega-3 supplementation would attenuate loneliness-related episodic memory problems. METHODS: Participants (n = 138) from a parent randomized controlled trial were randomized to the placebo, 1.25 grams/d of omega-3, or 2.50 grams/d of omega-3 conditions for a 4-month period. They completed a baseline loneliness questionnaire and a battery of cognitive tests both at baseline and at the end of the randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: After adjustment for baseline verbal episodic memory scores, lonelier people within the placebo condition had poorer verbal episodic memory postsupplementation, as measured by immediate (b = -0.28, t (117) = -2.62, p = .010) and long-delay (b = -0.06, t (116) = -2.07, p = .040) free recall, than their less lonely counterparts. This effect was not observed in the 1.25- and 2.50-grams/d supplementation groups (all p values > .10). The plasma omega-6:omega-3 ratio data mirrored these results. There were no loneliness-related effects of omega-3 supplementation on short-delay recall or the other cognitive tests (all p values > .32). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that omega-3 supplementation attenuates loneliness-related verbal episodic memory declines over time and support the use of exploring novel interventions for treating episodic memory problems among lonely people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00385723.

Key Findings

After adjustment for baseline verbal episodic memory scores, lonelier people within the placebo condition had poorer verbal episodic memory postsupplementation, as measured by immediate (b = -0.28, t (117) = -2.62, p = .010) and long-delay (b = -0.06, t (116) = -2.07, p = .040) free recall, than their less lonely counterparts. This effect was not observed in the 1.25- and 2.50-grams/d supplementation groups (all p values > .10). The plasma omega-6:omega-3 ratio data mirrored these results. There

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 138
Age Range See abstract
Condition cognitive

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-6
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Loneliness
  • Male
  • Memory Disorders
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: omega-3-cognition

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09