A study published online in the Alzheimer's Association journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found that supplementation with algal DHA omega-3 may help improve the memory of healthy older adults. The Memory Improvement with Docasahexaenoic Acid Study (MIDAS) is the first large, randomized and placebo-controlled study demonstrating the benefits of DHA in maintaining and improving brain health in older adults.

MIDAS found that healthy people with memory complaints who took 900 mg algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo, providing a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger. The DHA was well-tolerated and subjects taking the DHA also experienced a lower heart rate, providing a significant cardiovascular benefit. MIDAS suggests that algal DHA supplementation may ameliorate early learning and memory deficits associated with cognitive aging.

The study population included 485 people age 55 and older at 19 U.S. sites who were considered to have age-related cognitive decline. Age-related cognitive decline is defined as decline in cognitive functioning consequent to the aging process that is within normal limits given a person's age. For example, individuals may report problems remembering names or appointments or may experience difficulty solving complex problems.