Fish oilDoes fish oil improve memory?
Updated 4 Nov 2026
Short answer
Probably not in healthy older adults. A 2020 review of 38 trials and 49,757 people found little or no effect on new dementia, new cognitive impairment or general thinking scores.[1] In people with Alzheimer's disease, trials also found no benefit.[2]
Two groups may gain a little. People with mild cognitive impairment improved in attention, speed and immediate recall in some trials, but this needs confirmation.[2] A 2024 review of 24 trials found a possible gain in executive function, the skills for planning and attention. It was seen in adults aged 40 or older at more than 500 mg a day.[3]
Sources (3)
- Omega-3, Omega-6, and Polyunsaturated Fat for Cognition: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. Brainard JS, Jimoh OF, Deane KHO, Biswas P, Donaldson D, Maas K, et al. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 2020. PMID 32305302
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.gov
- The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on cognitive function in individuals without dementia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Suh SW, Lim E, Burm SY, Lee H, Bae JB, Han JW, et al. BMC Med, 2024. PMID 38468309
More about fish oil
What is fish oil?Does fish oil reduce inflammation?How much EPA and DHA is in a fish oil capsule?Is eating fish better than taking fish oil?What is fish oil used for?Should fish oil be taken with food?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.