Just as in the case with the other mental conditions that are discussed in this article, plasma and blood cell levels of essential fatty acids are abnormally low in Alzheimer's patients. It appears that pro-inflammatory compounds which cause damage to cerebral blood vessels are a major factor at the onset of this disease. Arterial plaque was previously believed to be the cause.
Now it is established that Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to slow the onset of the disease. It is also notable that Alzheimer’s has a low incident of occurrence among the Japanese who traditionally consume a diet high in fish (which is naturally high in the omega-3 fatty acid DHA) along with other foods high in omega-3.
In deficiency situations the cell membranes throughout the entire body are deplete in the much needed omega 3 essential fatty acids. Reversing this situation will take time and care. Attention needs to be given to the entire diet. More omega-3 fatty acids need to be brought into the body, omega-6 fatty acid consumption needs to be controlled, as does the consumption of saturated fats. Trans fats need to be ferreted out, and removed from the diet. Since trans fats are hidden in all kinds of foods and are frequently and incorrectly labeled as not being present (even when they are) a proper understanding of just what trans fats are and where they actually come from is a must in this case.
Fatty acid metabolism and nutrition are evidently of great importance in mental health. The fact that essential fatty acid deficiency is implicated in every type of mental illness looked at here is very informative. Any regime that is intended to address mental illness or mood disorder obviously needs to very carefully address the essential fatty acid status of the patient’s body, and of the patient’s diet. Rectifying the fatty acid status of the body is a long term proposition and the understanding of essential fatty acid relationships must be studied in depth in order to accomplish a balance of essential fatty acids in the bodily tissues. It is not that difficult to improve the essential fatty acid levels in the body (particularly the omega 3 levels) but more than one factor is at play. The interference of omega 3 by omega 6 oils and by the trans fatty acids need to be properly understood and accounted for in the nutritive approach.
Natural foods to treat mood disorders will primarily address the need for and balance of the essential fatty acids in the body.