Fish oil supplements are a commonly recommended dietary supplement for a variety of health benefits. One area where there has been some research into their effects is in the care of patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Some studies have shown improvements in cognitive functioning as well as a slower decline in activities such as dressing and bathing.
These supplements will help improve memory, thinking, and language skills or delay loss of independence for patients who live in Alzheimer’s care facilities. This blog post will provide a list of the top 15 reasons why older adults in Alzheimer’s care facilities should consider taking fish oil supplements.
1.) Improve Memory
Health care providers commonly recommend fish oil supplements as a way to improve memory, thinking, and language skills. One of the reasons why fish oil has been shown to help with memory is that it reduces inflammation in the brain and the blood. Inflammation is a normal process, but an increase in it during dementia can contribute to the loss of cognitive skills. Studies have shown that taking fish oil capsules may reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
2.) Decrease Mood Swings
A common complaint for Alzheimer’s care facilities is the changeability of their patients’ moods, which can also be a source of stress for them. Fish oil supplements may help with these changes by balancing out the mood swings associated with dementia.
3.) Decreased Risk of Alzheimer’s
Fish oil pills may help to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This is because of the fatty acids they contain. One such compound found in fish oil, known as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may prevent people from being diagnosed with this disease in the first place. Some studies have shown that patients who took fish oil supplements reduced their risk of developing this disease by up to 60 percent.
4.) Improved Cognitive Functioning
Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements can improve memory and thinking skills, sometimes referred to as “cognition.” These effects have been found in people with Alzheimer’s who were taking these supplements. One such study analyzed data from 928 adults who had mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and were under the care of Alzheimer’s care facilities. Of those studied, those who took fish oil supplements showed improvement in cognitive functioning compared to those who did not take them.
5.) Decreased Risk of Falls
Fish oil supplements have been shown to lower the risk of falls in the elderly population. This is because of its positive effects on balance and mobility, which is crucial for staying safe when walking.
6.) Improved Skin Health
Fish oil may improve skin health in Alzheimer’s patients. One such study showed that those with this disease had improved skin structure, hydration, and elasticity after taking fish oil supplements daily for six months.
7.) Improved Digestive System
Fish oil has been shown to improve fecal weight in Alzheimer’s patients. This can help decrease the risk of bowel problems or the need to use a catheter or colostomy bag. It may also help improve bowel movements and relieve constipation, which commonly occurs in this population due to poor care skills and lack of exercise.
8.) Improved Vision
Fish oil may improve vision in patients with Alzheimer’s. This may be due to the fatty acids found in fish oil that enhance the structure and function of the retina and lens of the eye. In addition, studies have shown that older adults could reduce the severity of their vision loss when taking fish oil supplements.
9.) Regulates Triglycerides
There are two types of fat found in fish oil: EPA and DHA. These acids help to regulate triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol levels. They have also been shown to improve insulin resistance, which may help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
10.) Common Treatment for Delusions of Parasitosis
Fish oil supplements are commonly used to treat patients with delusions of parasitosis (DP). DP is a state in which the patient has an intense fear of being infested with parasites, causing them to physically scratch themselves or use curettes and other instruments to scrape off their skin. This can lead to infection and scarring.
11.) Common Treatment for Wandering
Research has shown that fish oil supplements may decrease the risk of wandering in Alzheimer’s patients. This is a common problem in this population as they often have reduced mobility, get lost, and have accidents while going out.
12.) May Prevent Weight Gain in Alzheimer’s Patients
Research has shown that fish oil supplements can prevent weight gain in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. This can positively affect their overall health and quality of life, especially when other forms of treatment, such as medications, have not been effective.
13.) Reduces Inflammation
Fish oil supplements have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. This can help with several health ailments, including pain and swelling that often occurs in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. It may also help reduce swelling in the brain that is related to dementia.
14.) Strengthens Joints and Bones
Fish oil may help to strengthen joints and bones, which is especially important in Alzheimer’s patients living in Alzheimer’s care facilities as they commonly have joint pain and arthritis. It can also improve muscle strength and decrease the risk of fractures.
15.) Reduces Cardiovascular Risk
Fish oil supplements may help to reduce cardiovascular risk and prevent heart disease in Alzheimer’s patients. This is because they have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol, which can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Conclusion
Fish oils are becoming an increasingly popular supplement consumed by many. This is due to their numerous health benefits and the ability of fish oil supplements to be taken in various ways, such as pills, liquids, and capsules. It has been found to positively affect the brain, vision, skin health, balance and mobility, constipation, and digestive problems. Fish oil supplements can also lower the risk of falls in the elderly population, and they may even help prevent Alzheimer’s disease from developing in the first place.