Mild cognitive impairment is a clinical state that is defined as intermediate between normal functioning and the first stage of dementia. It involves the deterioration of memory and other cognitive areas. With time some patients develop Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia. As societies age, the prevalence of such symptoms is likely to increase dramatically. Multiple observations indicate an important role of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in limiting the progression of brain lesions. This is due to the fact that these acids influence pathological processes associated with neurodegeneration such as beta-amyloid accumulation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and accelerated apoptosis. In recent years many protective mechanisms of action of fatty acids have been described, including multidirectional inhibition of beta-amyloid toxicity, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective action of their metabolites, reduction of cellular damage in response to oxidative stress and stimulation of neural cell growth and differentiation. Alpha-lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant which may help to protect polyunsaturated fatty acids and additionally inhibit neuronal damage. Liponerv is a new formulation which contains both acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and alpha-lipoic acid. The combination of these two ingredients was evaluated in a pilot clinical study which demonstrated an improvement in everyday cognitive and instrumental abilities of patients with diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. A number of studies indicate that long-term administration of such a combination may have a positive impact on the condition of brain tissue in individuals without dementia who experience deterioration in their cognitive abilities. Liponerv may be an interesting supplementary therapeutic option in the overall management of these patients. It should undoubtedly be characterised by safety of use and good tolerability, which is indicated by clinical experience with similar products.

mild cognitive impairment, polyunsaturated fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid, anti-inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress, neuroprotection