PURPOSE: In our study, we examined changes in short-term episodic memory and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in women after an exercise program alone or in combination with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) supplementation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five healthy elderly women (65-80 years) were randomly split into two groups: in the first group were women attending an exercise program while taking wax esters-rich oil (Calanus) supplementation (n = 28) and in the other group were women undergoing the same exercise program while taking placebo (n = 27). The 16-week exercise program consisted of functional circuit training (twice a week) and Nordic walking lessons (once a week). Short-term episodic memory was evaluated by the Czech screening Test "Pojmenování OBrázků A jejich Vybavení" (POBAV) baseline and after the program lasting 16 weeks. RESULTS: Our results show that short-term memory significantly improved following the exercise program, but there was no added value in using n-3 PUFA supplements. BDNF values did not differ between baseline and follow-up in either group. However, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between relative change (%) in the POBAV test and VO2peak in the placebo group (r = 0.49). CONCLUSION: Despite the added value of n-3 PUFA supplementation not being proven, our results may strengthen the importance of physical activity in averting age-related memory decline and dementia.

Department of Adapted Physical Education and Sports Medicine Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Department of Internal Medicine Královské Vinohrady University Hospital and 3rd Faculty of Medicine Prague Czech Republic

Department of Pathophysiology 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Department of Physiology Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Charles University Prague Czech Republic

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