Brain Health: Cognition

Key Messages

Cognition is mental processing that includes working memory, comprehending and producing language, calculating, reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making. With age, the brain does not naturally perform the same way it did in younger years. That’s why it’s crucial to add omega-3s into your diet. Aim for at least 500 mg of EPA and DHA omega-3s every day!

What role can DHA omega-3 play in Alzheimer’s?

Research on the connection between DHA omega-3s and Alzheimer’s is considered emerging but is promising. A study conducted by researchers at the Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) showed that people with high DHA levels are 49% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This study looked at nearly 1500 participants aged 65+.

Maintaining healthy habits, like exercising and incorporating EPA and DHA omega-3s in your diet, may help support brain functions including memory, language comprehension, reasoning, problem-solving and decision-making.

Example Social Media Posts

	It's World Brain Day. 🧠 DHA omega-3 is highly concentrated in the brain's grey matter, where it plays a key role in memory, focus and overall cognitive function. Most people aren't getting enough omega-3s. Aim for at least 500 mg of EPA + DHA daily through fatty fish, fortified foods or a supplement. Your brain is counting on it! Preview and customize the post in Canva »
	Your brain is working hard. Are you feeding it? 🧠 The brain is 60% fat, and much of that is the omega-3 DHA. Feed your body the fat it needs by focusing on DHA-rich foods and supplements in your daily diet. Fatty fish, fortified foods and supplements all provide this much-needed nutrient. What you eat directly affects what you're working with. Fatty fish, fortified foods or a daily supplement can help fill the gap. Preview and customize the post in Canva »

Other Resources

• Brain Health video
• Brain Health infographic

Global Observances

• Jan - Alzheimer's Awareness Month (Canada)
• Mar 15-21 - Global Brain Health Awareness Week
• April - Brain Health Month (Chile)
• May - Mental Health Awareness Month
• Jun - Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
• Jul 22 - World Brain Day
• Sep - World Alzheimer’s Month
• Sep 21 - World Alzheimer’s Day
• Oct - National ADHD Awareness Month

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