Omega 3 Fatty Acid Consumption from Seafood and Cognitive Functioning, 2011-2014 (P18-085-19)

To examine the relationship between omega 3 fatty acid consumption from seafood and cognitive functioning. Using NHANES data from 2011–2014, examine 60–80 year olds cognitive function. Three different assessments will be used for analysis: the CERAD Word Learning subtest, the Animal Fluency test and the Digit Symbol Substitution test. Seafood consumption in the past 30 days was used to calculate estimated omega 3 consumption per day. Omega 3 consumption was categorized into 3 categories: zero consumption; 0 < omega 3 consumption < 250 mg and omega 3 consumption ≥ 250 mg. Cognitive function was positively associated with omega 3 consumption. Those who did not consume omega 3 fatty acids from seafood were at greater risk of cognitive decline. In comparison with people who consumed ≥ 250 mg of omega 3 fatty acids per day, those who consumed no omega 3 fatty acids from seafood were 2.26 (1.52, 3.38) times more likely to score lower on the CERAD Word Learning subtest. Similarly, in comparison with people who consumed ≥ 250 mg of omega 3 fatty acids per day, those who consumed no omega 3 fatty acids from seafood were 1.88 (1.27, 2.79) times more likely to score lower on the Animal Fluency test. In addition, in comparison with people who consumed ≥ 250 mg of omega 3 fatty acids per day, those who consumed no omega 3 fatty acids from seafood were almost 3 times more likely (2.99 (1.98, 4.51) to score lower on the Digit Symbol Substitution test. Consuming ≥ 250 mg per day of omega 3 fatty acids from seafood may help prevent cognitive decline. No funding received.