This document discusses the link between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, and Alzheimer's disease. DHA is highly concentrated in the brain and is important for brain development, function, and maintenance of cognitive abilities. Epidemiological studies have shown that increased consumption of DHA and other omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of dementia. Low levels of DHA have been associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and depression. Taking DHA supplements has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms and depression. Maintaining healthy levels of DHA through diet and supplements may help prevent Alzheimer's and support brain health.

1. ALZHEIMER'S
DISEASE-THE DHA
CONNECTION
Link between this crucial dietary fat and
Alzheimer’s

2. Our special guest Danielle
Girdano
•Fitness Advisory Boards
•The Cooper Institute
•Cardiovascular Wellness Chicago
•First Responders for Fitness (also on Medical
Advisory Board)
Additional Noteworthy Honors
•Named one of the 2013 Top 40 Under 40 -
Dallas Business Journal
•Finalist Chicago Innovation Awards 2013
•Advisory Board- St Jude Research Hospital -
Sunday of Hope Project
•President of D’fine Sculpting & Nutrition LLC
•Board of Directors- Alzheimers Cure Foundation

3. Alzheimer’s CURE Foundation
www.alzcure.org
www.facebook.com/Alzcu
re

4. DHA?
EPA and DHA stand for eicosapentaenoic acid
and docosahexaenoic acid respectively.
These omega-3 fats are found in cold water
fish.
EPA DHA are highly unsaturated fats
because they contain six and five double
bonds on their long structural chains
Functions
EPA and DHA are converted into
hormone-like substances called
prostaglandins, and regulate cell activity and
healthy cardiovascular function.
DHA is a building block of tissue in the
brain and retina of the eye.
forming neural transmitters, such as
phosphatidylserine, which is important
for brain function.

5. DHA?
 Functions
 Normal metabolism
 Normal mental health function
 Diminished depression
 Cognitive development- Fetus and youth
 Brain ability and functioning level ability
 Cognitive maintenance – High focus, attention time and
reasoning abilities
 Epidemiological studies confirm consumption of omega-3
fatty acids reduce the risk of dementia
 Epidemiological studies are the science that studies the patterns,
causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined
populations.

6. What’s The Alzheimer's Link?
 Most cognitive impairment is not age-related!
 Common misconception and belief
 High blood pressure inflicts a great deal of damage on the
brain's delicate small vessels.
 Must get DHA fats from the diets because the human body
cannot synthesize them.
 A small percentage of the short chain omega 3 fats are found
in plant seeds can be converted into the longer-chain fats.
 Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a short-chain omega-3 found in
flaxseeds, hemp seeds and walnuts
 The body can elongate ALA into long-chain omega-3s:
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

7. What is the Alzheimer's Link?
 Risk factors for Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease are
generally shared, in act CVD risk factors accelerate
Alzheimer’s.
 Vascular dementia – previous
 High concentration of DHA fat in brain.
 DHA is taken up by the brain in preference to other fatty acids.
 The turnover of DHA in the brain is very fast, more so than is
generally realized
 DHA fats (particularly in fish oil) decreases the proliferation of
tumour cells, whereas arachidonic acid, a longchain n-6 fatty
acid, increases their proliferation.
 These are the shorter chain n-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid)
which isn’t converted very well to DHA in humans

8. Prevention Is Key with Added
Benifits!
 Decreases the production of beta-amyloid
protein, reducing the formation of plaques.
 Source of neuroprotectin, a substance
involved in brain cell repair and survival that
also guards against inflammation and
oxidative damage.
 Dietary fish oil is anti-inflammatory
 Source of resolvins and protectins, which are
potent anti-inflammatory substances that protect
brain cell survival.

9. Prevention Is Key!
 2007 Research study by the Department of Psychiatry at the
University of Pittsburgh
 Initial findings
 Low levels of DHA were associated with high levels of
impulsive behavior, hostility, and cynical ideas. Low levels of
either EPA or DHA predicted high degrees of angry feelings
and outbursts.
 Slowed the progression of Alzhiemer’s symptoms and
depression.
 Individuals who consumed more omega-3 fatty acids in their
diets had more gray matter volume in areas of the brain
important for regulating mood
 “Grey matter” makes up a substantial part of the central nervous.
Grey matter is where the majority of the brain’s neuronal cell bodies
are located. Concentrated in cerebral hemispheres and cerebellar
cortex
 ”Widespread biological functions in the body including the

10. Preventive Next Steps
 Nordic Naturals
 Omega supplement line
 Ultimate Omega
 DHA XTRA

11. Preventative Next Steps
 Regular Sleep
 6-8 hours per night
 Regular Exercise
 Aerobic & Anaerobic – Webinar Part 3
 L-Arginine & L-Citrine introduction into the diet
 Supplement recommendation
 Pro Argi-9
 **Dosage client specific**
 Contact Danielle
 dgirdano@dfineyourhealth.com
 469-751-2220
 www.facebook.com/DfineSculptingNutrition