Dietary oils ameliorate aluminum chloride-induced memory deficit in wistar rats

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the brain and is the most common form of dementia. There is no known cure for AD, and therefore, alternate therapies are warranted. Multiple reports state that nutritional or dietary interventions may have therapeutic potential and particularly associating high intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to reduce risk for AD. In this direction, we have attempted to study the neuroprotective effects of dietary supplementation with canola oil, olive oil and rice bran oil in an aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced dementia model in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: In the present study, spatial memory of AlCl3-treated animals, given supplementation with dietary oils, was evaluated using the Morris water maze. In addition, brain antioxidant parameters, acetylcholinesterase activity and serum biochemical markers were evaluated at the end of the study. Results: All dietary oils used in the present study showed ameliorative effect on the decline in spatial memory due to AlCl3treatment. However, among the three oils, canola oil exerted the most protective effect toward AlCl3-induced neuronal damage by improving spatial memory and brain antioxidant status. Apart from serum glucose, none of the biochemical parameters were altered by AlCl3or by dietary oil supplementation. Conclusion: The study highlights the protective effect of dietary oils rich in unsaturated fats against Alzheimer's dementia. Canola oil showed highest neuroprotective activity against AlCl3-induced dementia in rats. Abbreviation used: AD: Alzheimer's disease; ALA: Alpha-linoleic acid; DHA: Docosahexaenoic acid; PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acids; MWM: Morris water maze; AchE: Acetylcholinesterase; UFAW: University Federation for Animal Welfare.