Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Confusion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been studied for their potential cognitive benefits, including effects on confusion and cognitive decline. The scientific rationale is based on the important role of DHA in brain structure and function, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of both EPA and DHA, which may help protect neural tissue. Several observational studies have found associations between higher dietary intake or blood levels of omega-3s and better cognitive performance in older adults. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have explored whether omega-3 supplementation can improve cognitive symptoms, including confusion, in populations at risk for dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). While the results are mixed, meta-analyses suggest that omega-3 supplementation may have a modest benefit in slowing cognitive decline, particularly in individuals with low baseline omega-3 status or very mild symptoms. However, the evidence is not strong or consistent enough to recommend omega-3s as a definitive treatment for acute confusion (delirium) or as a primary therapy for cognitive disorders. More robust clinical trials are needed to clarify which populations might benefit most and what doses are effective. In summary, there is some scientific evidence supporting a potential role for omega-3s in maintaining cognitive health and possibly mitigating confusion in certain contexts, but the overall level of evidence is moderate at best.
Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids
AcneAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anger (excessive)
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Metabolic Syndrome
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Congestive Heart Failure
Depression
Diabetes
Dementia
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Menopause
Migraine
Osteoporosis
