Abstract
Perilla oil contains 60% α-linolenic acid and exhibits the function of ω-3 fatty acids. It is utilized as an energy source in the brain. In this 6-month randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we verified the effects of perilla oil and brain training on the cognitive function and mental health of healthy elderly Japanese individuals. Independent elderly individuals aged ≥65 years (n = 158, 71.4 ± 0.4 years) were randomized to four groups (placebo, perilla oil, brain training, and brain training with perilla oil). Perilla oil (7 [Editor1] g) was administered every day for 6 months. Brain training was performed according to Shichida brain training. Cognitive function was assessed at baseline and after 6 months of intervention using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). Mental health was assessed using the apathy and Zung self-rating depression scales; biochemical factors were measured in the participants’ blood. The plasma and erythrocyte plasma membrane α-linolenic acid levels significantly increased in the perilla oil and brain training with perilla oil groups. The mean changes in FAB “intellectual flexibility” scores from baseline to month 6 were significantly greater in the brain training with perilla oil group. These results suggest that a combination of brain training and perilla oil improves age-related cognitive decline in elderly people with very mild cognitive impairment.