Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid found in oily fish, has long been hailed as a cognitive superfood. But according to the latest research from USC School of Medicine, it may not be as magic-bullet-like as we hoped.

The study involved 365 adults at risk for Alzheimer's and found that while DHA supplements reached the brain, there was no significant improvement in memory or cognitive function over two years. The researchers suggest that factors like age and lifestyle might dampen its benefits.

‘While omega-3s play an important role in forming connections needed for cognition,’ said Hussein Naji Yassine, ‘our results do not support fish oil supplements as a preventive measure against Alzheimer’s.’

The findings highlight the complexity of brain health and suggest that lifestyle changes remain key.