New research helps explain how the fatty acid DHA protects against Alzheimer's, a benefit noted in several studies.

In a report to be published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation , Nicolas Bazan and colleagues from Louisiana State University have shown a mechanism by which DHA is neuroprotective.

The researchers have shown that DHA decreases levels of pathogenic peptides called Abeta peptides while increasing the synthesis of a protective DHA-derived messenger called neuroprotectin D1 (NPD1).

NPD1 inhibits apoptosis triggered by Abeta peptides.

In a human brain with Alzheimer's, the researchers showed that DHA and NPD1 were reduced in vulnerable brain regions.

This, they say, suggests that NPD1 is a key regulator of cell survival, a finding that could provide insight into developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.