Omega-3 and Alzheimer’s: what the King’s College London study found
Quick answer
Researchers at King’s College London found that women with Alzheimer’s had much lower levels of healthy unsaturated fats, especially omega-3s, than women of the same age with healthy brains. The same pattern was not found in men. These fats can help build brain cell membranes, support memory and calm inflammation.
A powerful new study has shed light on why women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than men — and, more importantly, what we can do about it.
Researchers at King’s College London found that women with Alzheimer’s had much lower levels of healthy, unsaturated fats — especially omega-3s — compared to women of the same age with healthy brains. These fats are vital for building strong brain cell membranes, supporting memory, and calming inflammation. Interestingly, the same pattern wasn’t found in men, showing that women may be especially vulnerable if they aren’t getting enough of these protective fats.
Why this matters for you
Alzheimer’s doesn’t happen overnight. It develops slowly, often years or decades before symptoms appear. That means every choice we make today — from the food we eat to how we sleep and manage stress — is shaping our future brain health.
The good news is, you are not powerless.
Here are some simple but powerful steps you can start right away:
- Eat oily fish twice a week (salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, herring) or take a quality omega-3 supplement.
- Cut down on processed and fried foods that are high in damaging saturated fats.
- Move your body every day — exercise boosts blood flow to the brain.
- Prioritise sleep and stress relief — your brain restores and detoxifies itself while you rest.
- Balance your blood sugar with regular meals rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
Every small step adds up. Prevention is possible, and the earlier you begin, the more difference it can make.
Join Our Brain Health Programme – Starting October
We know it can feel overwhelming to figure all of this out on your own. That’s why we created the Brain Vitality Programme, a practical and supportive workshop series that shows you exactly how to protect your brain and memory.
In the programme, you’ll learn how to:
- Use food and nutrients like omega-3s to fuel your brain
- Create daily habits that strengthen memory and focus
- Reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of cognitive decline
Our next Brain Vitality Programme starts in October.
This is your opportunity to take action now — not just to prevent disease, but to create the healthiest, sharpest, most vibrant version of yourself for years to come.
Your future brain starts with the choices you make today. Are you ready to invest in it?
Find out more hereReady to future-proof your brain?
Contact us directly if you have any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
Note: This article reflects emerging models of Alzheimer’s pathophysiology and is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Common questions
Why are women more likely to get Alzheimer’s than men?
A King’s College London study found that women with Alzheimer’s had much lower levels of healthy unsaturated fats, especially omega-3s, than healthy women of the same age. The same pattern was not seen in men, which suggests women may be especially vulnerable if they do not get enough of these protective fats.
What does omega-3 do for the brain?
Healthy unsaturated fats such as omega-3s can help build strong brain cell membranes, support memory and calm inflammation. The King’s College London study found that women with Alzheimer’s had much lower levels of these fats than women with healthy brains.
Which foods are good for protecting your brain?
We suggest eating oily fish twice a week, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, anchovies or herring, or taking a quality omega-3 supplement. We also suggest cutting down on processed and fried foods and eating regular meals rich in protein, fibre and healthy fats.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for personal medical advice. Please speak to your GP (family doctor) or a qualified practitioner before making changes to medication or treatment.