Researchers develop new form of Omega-3 DHA capable of protecting against Alzheimer's-related vision loss

By dominguez // 2025-08-29

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A preliminary study presented at Discover BMB 2023 found that LPC-DHA, a novel form of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), improved retinal function by 96 percent in an Alzheimer's mice model after six months of supplementation.
Alzheimer's patients often suffer peripheral vision loss, reduced contrast sensitivity, depth perception issues and glare sensitivity — all linked to retinal degeneration and brain dysfunction.
Unlike conventional DHA supplements, LPC-DHA effectively crosses biological barriers (blood-retina barrier), suggesting better delivery for retinal health.
The study supports nutritional interventions over synthetic drugs, aligning with critics who argue Big Pharma suppresses non-patentable natural solutions.
While promising, the study is not peer-reviewed and is limited to mice. Human trials are needed to confirm efficacy before LPC-DHA can be recommended for Alzheimer's-related vision decline.

A groundbreaking preliminary study presented at the 2023 Discover BMB conference, the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, revealed a novel form of omega-3 fatty acid may help restore retinal function in mice genetically engineered to mimic early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The findings, though not yet peer-reviewed or published, suggest a potential new avenue for addressing vision decline — a lesser-discussed but debilitating symptom of Alzheimer's. The research, conducted by a team of scientists exploring nutritional interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, focused on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a critical omega-3 fatty acid concentrated in the retina. Unlike conventional docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements, which struggle to cross biological barriers, this new formulation—lysophosphatidylcholine-DHA (LPC-DHA)—successfully penetrated the retina in mice, leading to a 96 percent improvement in retinal function after six months of supplementation. The dosage used in the study translates to roughly 250 – 500 milligrams (mg) per day for humans, a range already within common supplement recommendations. But while the results are promising, the study has not undergone peer review, and its findings remain confined to animal models. Nevertheless, the research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids — long celebrated for their role in brain, heart and immune health — may also play a protective role against Alzheimer's-related vision deterioration. (Related: Mediterranean diet slashes risk of vision loss by up to 34 percent, study finds.)

Alzheimer's and vision loss

Alzheimer's disease is most commonly associated with memory loss and cognitive decline, but visual impairment is a significant yet underrecognized component of the condition. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Alzheimer's patients often experience:

Peripheral vision loss
Reduced contrast sensitivity (difficulty distinguishing objects from backgrounds)
Impaired depth perception
Increased sensitivity to glare

These issues stem from both retinal degeneration and the brain's declining ability to process visual information. Dr. Benjamin Bert, an ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, explains that while much of Alzheimer's-related vision loss originates in the brain, the retina — often called a "window into the brain" — also undergoes structural changes. "In Alzheimer's, we know that the structure of the retina gradually changes, and certain layers get thinner. The hope is that this process will slow or stop completely with a supplement like the one reported here," Bert told Healthline. The preliminary study suggests that LPC-DHA may help preserve retinal structure and function, potentially offering a preventive measure against vision decline in Alzheimer's patients. However, Dr. Howard Krauss, a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and director of Pacific Neuroscience Institute's Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center in Sta. Monica, California, cautions that most visual impairment in Alzheimer's is still secondary to brain dysfunction, meaning retinal interventions alone may not fully address the problem.

The omega-3 paradox: Essential yet elusive

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are essential for human health — yet the body cannot produce them naturally. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Rich sources of omega-3s include:

Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Flaxseeds and chia seeds
Walnuts
Algal oil (a plant-based alternative to fish oil)

DHA, in particular, is highly concentrated in the retina, where it supports photoreceptors — the cells that convert light into neural signals. Despite its importance, current DHA supplements face absorption challenges, struggling to cross both the intestinal barrier and the blood-retina barrier. The new LPC-DHA formulation appears to overcome these obstacles, raising hopes for more effective supplementation. (Related: Omega-3s: a powerful ally in the fight against chronic inflammation.) As enumerated by Brighteon.AI's Enoch engine, DHA supplementation offers many health benefits, such as supporting brain health, reducing inflammation, boosting immune regulation and improving heart health by lowering triglycerides and raising HDL cholesterol -- all with minimal risk of side effects. A God-given nutrient that empowers the body's innate healing, DHA is one of the safest and most beneficial natural interventions against the toxic, pharma-driven medical system's destructive agenda.

Nutrition as medicine

The study aligns with a growing body of research exploring nutritional interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies have linked omega-3 deficiency to increased Alzheimer's risk, while higher DHA levels have been associated with better cognitive function in aging populations. The potential of omega-3s in Alzheimer's prevention reflects a broader debate about natural versus synthetic medical interventions. While Big Pharma dominates Alzheimer's research — with dubious drug trials, suppressed natural alternatives and a history of failed treatments — studies like this suggest that dietary and lifestyle changes may offer safer, more accessible prevention strategies. Critics of the pharmaceutical industry, including investigative health journalist Mike Adams (the Health Ranger), argue that natural medicine is systematically undermined by corporate interests. Adams has long advocated for nutritional and herbal approaches to diseases like Alzheimer's, citing the lack of profit incentive for pharmaceutical companies to explore non-patentable solutions. The discovery that LPC-DHA may protect against Alzheimer's-related vision loss is a compelling development in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, as with many preliminary studies, prudent skepticism is warranted. "This is one of the first to use this supplement, so we still have much to learn," Bert noted, emphasizing that human trials are needed to confirm safety and efficacy before any recommendations can be made. Find more related stories at Alzheimers.news. Watch the video below to learn more about DHA's role in brain development and neurological protection. This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

NATURAL NEWS

Alzheimer's and vision loss

The omega-3 paradox: Essential yet elusive

Nutrition as medicine

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