Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Alzheimer’s Disease: Neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that profoundly affects memory, cognition, and the ability to perform daily activities. Its etiology is multifactorial and encompasses a range of complex neuropathological processes, including amyloid-beta accumulation, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, and chronic neuroinflammation. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid abundant in neural tissues, has garnered attention for its potential neuroprotective properties. This review explores the molecular mechanisms through which DHA may influence the pathophysiology of AD, including its roles in membrane dynamics, synaptic function, redox homeostasis, anti-inflammatory signaling, and enzymatic modulation. Additionally, we assess findings from epidemiological studies, preclinical models, and clinical trials to evaluate DHA’s therapeutic promise in the prevention and management of Alzheimer’s disease. Although clinical outcomes remain variable, early preventive intervention with DHA particularly when integrated with broader lifestyle strategies appears to offer a promising avenue for attenuating cognitive decline.