Omega-3 fish oil may fend off Alzheimer's

The number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to triple over the next 30 to 40 years. Aside from the great emotional and physical toll the disease can take, an Alzheimer's epidemic will have devastating consequences for the health care economy. Already, United States businesses spend $61 billion on Alzheimer's each year for medical expenses and loss of productivity. Economic studies estimate that Medicare spending on Alzheimer's will rise 54 percent to $49 billion, and Medicaid costs will rise 80 percent to $33 billion by 2010.

However, researchers may have discovered a way to lower this shocking statistic: Studies indicate eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids--found in fish--may fend off Alzheimer’s.