Brain HealthMAPT Trial Tests Omega-3 and Lifestyle Combo Against Age-Related Cognitive Decline
The MAPT trial enrolled 1,680 frail adults aged 70 and older to test three strategies for preventing cognitive decline: omega-3 fatty acid supplementation alone, a multi-domain lifestyle intervention (nutrition, exercise, cognitive stimulation, social activities) alone, or the two combined. Participants were followed for three years, with cognitive function as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included functional independence and safety. Ancillary sub-studies examined brain metabolism via FDG-PET, brain atrophy via MRI, amyloid burden via AV45-PET, sleep disorders as predictors of decline, and body composition via DXA. The trial is now completed and represents one of the largest and most comprehensive prevention efforts targeting age-related cognitive decline in older adults.
