Abstract 046: Longitudinal Associations of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Plasma Phospholipid Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Dementia in Older Adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Background: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential nutrients for normal brain function, constituting nearly 35% of brain lipids. Experimental studies suggest that omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA, present in plant foods and fish, may reduce risk of dementia. Most prior studies assessed self-reported estimates and used one baseline measure of objective PUFA biomarkers, which may lead to poor estimation of long-term risk. Aims: Investigate prospective associations of serial measures of plasma phospholipid omega-3 (ALA [18:3], EPA [20:5], DPA [22:5], DHA [22:6]) and omega-6 (LA [18:2], AA [20:4]) PUFA with risk of total dementia and dementia subtypes (Alzheimer’s Disease [AD] and vascular and mixed dementia [VaD]) in older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Methods: Among 3,307 U.S. adults aged ≥65y and free of stroke, cognitive impairment or dementia at baseline, circulating levels were measured serially at baseline, 6 years and 13 years using standardized methods. Dementia was identified using ne...