Omega-3 study on brain function wins award

Friday, 8 December 2006

A research project studying the impact of nutrition, including Omega-3 fatty acids, on brain function and ageing in the elderly is the winner of the $200,000 Brailsford Robertson Award for 2007-2008.

The jointly funded University of Adelaide and CSIRO Human Nutrition Brailsford Robertson Award is awarded every two years to collaborative research between the University and CSIRO in the areas of healthy nutrition, development and ageing.

The winning team this year will be led by Dr Vanessa Danthiir, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, CSIRO Human Nutrition and includes Dr Carlene Wilson, Principal Research Scientist, also at CSIRO Human Nutrition and, from the University of Adelaide, Professor Ted Nettelbeck, Head of the School of Psychology, Dr Nicholas Burns, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Professor Gary Wittert, Head of the School of Medicine.

University of Adelaide Pro Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Neville Marsh, who is Chair of the Brailsford Robertson Committee, said: "The Brailsford Robertson Award seeks to encourage collaborative research in areas identified as strategic priorities by CSIRO Human Nutrition and the University of Adelaide.

"The winning project this year brings together experts in cognition, intelligence and ageing effects and combines this with expertise in health and knowledge of nutrition. This is likely to have significant impact for the health and welfare of our growing elderly population."

The project will focus on the relationship between diet, cognitive functioning and functional ageing in the elderly and includes investigating the potential benefits of long-chain Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in slowing age-related cognitive decline.

Dr Danthiir said: "The research could help lead to a solution for slowing cognitive decline in our ageing population."

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