Enhancing levels of healthy fats like omega-3s in the brain could be beneficial in motor neuron disease (MND) and other neurodegenerative diseases, new research by a team at UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London suggests. Scientists say the research, published today in the journal Nature Neuroscience, unlocks new understanding of the mechanisms underlying the condition.

Previous studies­ have linked high dietary levels of omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in oily fish, nuts and seeds, with a lower risk of developing MND, and longer survival in people affected by the disease. But why the occurs has not been well understood.

The new study, funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and the UK DRI, found that increasing the levels of these healthy fats in the brain cells of fruit flies carrying a gene mutation called C9orf72, saw a ‘dramatic’ increase in their survival.

This mutation is the most common genetic cause of MND and a form of dementia known as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Cells were also collected from people with these conditions and converted into brain cells in the lab. Healthy fats also increased the survival of these MND/FTD brain cells.

Study leader Prof Adrian Isaacs, group leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, said: “Epidemiological studies suggest that people with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of developing motor neuron disease. Our study adds a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind this.

“From our findings we can conclude that enhancing levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain may be beneficial in motor neuron disease. Of course, the next step is to test this in people. We first need to work out which specific fatty acid would be best to test in humans, and how we can deliver sufficient quantities to the brain. Then, we want to take these findings forward into a clinical trial.”